Captain’s Report                                              27 September 2010

A great thank you to Stilbaai Golf Club for hosting us on quite a blistering westerly windy day in spring this past Sunday.

Stilbaai’s course was found to be in an excellent condition and the green keeping staff can be congratulated. It really was a pleasant day playing there and a great thank you to the Club’s Captain, Evert Nel, for joining in and I also wish to thank him and Manager Gavin Bayman (also a Nomad) and all the staff for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying their facilities.

To our local Sponsor of the day, Roger Bath from Honda Classic in George, a great big thank you for a table full of good prizes. Thanks to Gerry Ham and those guys that helped him for setting up our prize table so neatly once again.

Lastly but not least our Pink Ladies, thank you once again for a job well done, you gals are 2^nd to none.

I had the privilege of inducting Shadrack Donson and I wish him a very warm welcome to Nomads. I also had the honour to hand over a 100 game badge to Graham Williams (good or bad news but it was him who talked me into joining Nomads) and I would like to congratulate him on this milestone.

Thanks to Steve for running a smooth prize giving.

Once again I must compliment SC Nomads for adhering to correct dress code and I think we set good examples to our visiting Nomads club members as well as visitors and future Nomads on the waitlists, our hosts and also our sponsors, thank you.

Although we were only a field of 43 Nomads, Stilbaai Club Captain, Sponsor, 7 visitors and 3 waitlisted Nomads, it was really great in having had such a good attendance from our Nomads at prize giving, it was great.

Ready For Golf: This method was tried here at Stilbaai Golf course and hugely not found to be good news especially on a 9 hole up- and down course with a blistering wind and lots of trees. People in front of a player can not always be seen and no use in trying to rush on etc. etc. It also gets hard for the older generation, not hitting that ball as far as the youngsters and then to try keeping up with them.

Nominations for the 2011 JVC (member must be in good standing) were requested from all present and also only if required for a VC. Nominations to be at our Club Secretary, Austin Graves by not later than 14 October 2010, as stated in our Constitution, not less than 30 days ahead of the club’s AGM which in our case will be held on 14 November 2010. It can be in the form of a letter or even an e-mail and it must contain the nominator’s name as well as the name of a secondant.

Next month 17 October 2010 is our Southern Challenge competition as part of our monthly game at Pezula Golf Estate, please see to it that we have our full compliment of club members there as our opposition has a 40+ contingent coming to visit us. It is also Simon Lee, National Chairman’s official visit to SC Nomads. They will also be playing at Pinnacle Point on Friday 15^th and at Kingswood on Saturday 16^th, anyone welcome to join in on their fun. 

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                                11 AUGUST 2010

I want to thank Plettenberg Bay Golf Club for hosting us on such a beautiful Sunday and letting us start so early with only a slight breeze and clouds and rain lurking on the horizon. If we had started a half an hour later, we would have finished in the rain.

Plett was in an excellent condition due to the little bit of rain the area had and the green keeping staff can be congratulated. It really was a pleasant day playing with the Club Captain, Bob Fotheringham and a great thank you to him and all the staff and starters for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your facilities.

I must once again mention the fact that we as Nomads must realise the fact and honour that we have in playing on some of the best golf courses in the country and abide by simple golf rules. Please fix pitch marks on fairways and on the greens. The club captain, Bob Fotheringham was constantly busy filling up and fixing pitch marks on the fairways and greens which made me feel like I could just disappear in one of them.

To our local Sponsor of the day, Jacques Cilliers from Chubb, in your absence due to business activities in Cape Town, thank you for the table full of great prizes. Thanks to Gerry Ham and Costas Polydorou for setting up our prize table so neatly in Terry’s absence.

To the Pink Ladies, thank you once again for all your efforts and hard work in getting the prize sheets ready for prize giving in short time.

I had the privilege of inducting Graham Proctor (his 3^rd time induction) through the years and I wish him a very warm welcome back to Nomads.

Thank you to Act. V/Captain Peter Heydra for a smooth run prize giving.

A minute of silence were held to pay our last respects for 23 year service Nomad Bennie Raubenheimer who passed away on 31 July 2010.

A bit of feedback on the recently completed Zimbabwe Nationals held at the Elephant Hills Hotel & Golf Club at Victoria Falls. I wish to congratulate Zimbabwe on a well run Nationals. I enjoyed it so much, the camaraderie and busy week we had so immensely that I will definitely be back next year. I shall definitely not finalise my own travelling arrangements again. Thank you once again to Anton Izaakse and his wife and Dup Dupisani and his wife who were also there to have made my and my wife’s week so enjoyable.

All present at Plett were again reminded and pledged to support Volvo Masters Golf Day presented by Dale Hayes and SC Nomads in support of SC Junior Golf to be held at the Mossel Bay Golf Course on Friday 27 August 2010. All members requested to please enter 4 balls.

All members are also requested to please, when you enter your name on the apologies list for not being present at prize givings plus a name of someone present to collect a prize on your behalf, to bring it to the attention of the Pink Ladies and not forgetting to also ask the person in question to collect it for you.

The 2^nd draw for the Gary Player KO is on the web and the game has to be played on or before our next monthly game which will be 26 September 2010 at Stilbaai. Please note the rule should you want to play before that date.

See you again at Stilbaai Golf Club and I dearly hope to see a larger field to play there. The golf club, in conjunction with SC Nomads would also like to have a golf day on the Saturday so let’s see if we can travel south and give them the necessary support, even make it a family week end.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                                          22 July 2010

The past week end started off with one of the best cocktail parties I have attended so far and it was greeted with amazement by most of the Nomads and their wives and/or girlfriends or partners, it was a huge success and the food of highest quality.

A great thank you to Kingswood Golf Estate, George Golf Club and Fancourt Hotel Country Club Estate for hosting us on such beautiful summer days in the middle of winter.

The courses was all in an excellent condition after the bit of rain the area had and the green keeping staff can be congratulated. It really was pleasant playing there and once again a great thank you to the Clubs Management and all the staff and starters for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your facilities.

To our local Sponsors, King George Hotel, Brandhouse SA Breweries, Tekkie Town, Carl Grobler for the use of a Volvo for the National Chairman and Budget for the use of two kombi’s to transport people. Thanks to Terry and those guys that helped him for setting up our prize tables so neatly once again.

Lastly but not least our Pink Ladies, thank you once again for job well done, not even the queen and her staff could have done better. I need not say any more, I guess the cheers at prize givings said it all.

To the SC Nomads 25^th Anniversary celebrations committee, thank you to Les Marais who started the ball running and then Ken & Paddy Haldane and your committee for organising THE BEST anniversary of all time by any Nomad club. Now these are words from many a Nomad who joined in on our celebrations and I now wish to re-iterate that. Well done to all of you.

I had the privilege of handing over a 5 year tie award to Deon Giles, congratulations to you.

Thanks to Steve for doing the prize giving at Kingswood Golf Estate on Friday night. Thank you to Peter and your team for handling prize giving on Sunday night so smoothly. Sorry we lost out on the Seaboard and Boland Challenge trophies once again.

I must compliment Nomads as a whole for such good behaviour throughout the weekend, I am sure the public and staff at the courses where we attended golf and/or functions acknowledged what this organisation is all about way above their expectations.

Next month we play on 8 August 2010 at Plettenberg Bay Golf Course, please make sure you entered to play.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                          21 JUNE 2010

The week end included our Andrew Mentis games on Friday and Saturday at Simola - and Pezula Golf Esates respectively with Sunday our normal Monthly game at Knysna Golf Club.

A great thank you to our hosts from Simola - and Pezula Golf Estates, Meyer du Toit and Ettienne du Plessis for all your assistance and to the Management at both venues for allowing Nomads in using and enjoying your facilities for the two days.

Thank you Steve Twycross on a well run Andrew Mentis tournament, I sincerely hope you achieved your goals for funding your beneficiary for this year and also enjoy the highlight of your VC year especially the day when you do your hand over to them.

A great thank you to our host for our Sunday Monthly Game, John Edwards, Captain of Knysna Golf Club, the staff and Management of Knysna Golf Club for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your temporary facilities. I, and by the mouths of most Nomads would like to congratulate Knysna Golf Club on what you actually achieve under the conditions under one roof you have become accustomed to after loosing your permanent club building and facilities in a fire. Breakfast and lunch was of outstanding quality.

I had the privilege of inducting and welcoming Hannes Thirion as a Nomad.

To our local Sponsor of the Monthly Game, Piet Meyer from Vodashop, thank you for a table full of great prizes. Thank you Steve and Terry for running the prize giving smoothly once again with Terry nearly getting away with more than what he bargained for.

Thank you to all the visiting Nomads from Western Province, Eastern Cape and Northerns and I hope you enjoyed playing with us.

Once again our Pink Ladies were great, thank you very much for your hard work at registration, doing the scorecards and prize- and lucky draw sheets well in time for prize giving, also on keeping all these men at bay and for those kind smiles all day.

Our next outing will be our Anniversary weekend from 16 to 18 July 2010 and as requested by Tannah and Ken Haldane, please guys, we need more entries from SC Nomads members to take part in the celebrations.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                                          31 May 2010

A great thank you to George Golf Club for hosting us on such a beautiful summer’s day in winter on Sunday.

George’s course was in an excellent condition due to the little bit of rain the area had and the green keeping staff can be congratulated. It must be noted though that the dam’s water level has declined. It really was a pleasant day playing there and a great thank you to the Club’s Captain, Kobus Landman, for joining in and I also wish to thank him and all the staff and starters for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your facilities.

To our local Sponsor of the day, Andre Landman from Loerie Toyota a great big thank you for a table full of good prizes. Thanks to Terry and those guys that helped him for setting up our prize table so neatly once again.

Lastly but not least our Pink Ladies, thank you once again for a job well done, you gals are 2^nd to none, wasting no time and having the prize sheets available within 5 minutes after the last 4 ball handed in their score cards.

I had the privilege of inducting Andre Steyn and Rudi Louw and I wish them a very warm welcome to Nomads. Congratulations to John Richards on his Ten year tie award and Five year tie awards went to Stephan Muller and my self. I also handed over a 200 game badge to Ken Haldane and I would like to congratulate him on this milestone.

Thanks to Steve for running a smooth prize giving. Thank you to Peter for looking after our Pink Ladies by keeping them from getting thirsty

Once again I must compliment SC Nomads for adhering to correct dress code and I think we set good examples to our visiting Nomads clubs members as well as visitors and future Nomads on the waitlists, our hosts and also our sponsors, thank you.

I do realise that new outfits costs a lot of money but looking around on Sunday I saw some guys playing in white shirts but on close-up looking found that it was, trousers as well, actually faded to such an extent that yes guys, we will have to polish up and obtain new pinks and blues.

The seriousness of no-shows was discussed and the suspension of one of our members was mentioned.

I attended the 50^th Anniversary of the Gauteng Nomads Club and I wish to congratulate and thank Pat Gaffney, his co-ordinator and his team for a wonderful weekend, also to mention the get together of all the Captains.

The 50 year Commemorative Nomads books with one on display was at George Golf Club, those of you that booked one, paid for it and has not received it as yet must please contact me, I have them at home. Those of you that did not book one or seen it must please make an effort to obtain one @ R500.00 each, there is only a couple more left and no more to be published.

Next month 18/19 June 2010 is our Andrew Mentis weekend at Simola- and Pezula Golf Estates, please book your 4 balls with Steve Twycross. Sunday 20 June 2010 is our monthly game at Knysna Golf Club, see you there.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                                      06 May 2010

A great thank you to Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort for hosting us on such a beautiful Sunday with only a slight breeze, unknown to our encounter last year with when we had gale force winds.

Pinnacle Point was in an excellent condition due to the little bit of rain the area had and the green keeping staff can be congratulated. It really was a pleasant day playing with the Golf Manager of Pinnacle Point, Jason Totos and a great thank you to him and all the staff and starters for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your facilities.

To our local Sponsor of the day, Raymond Botha from Lyn Schroeder BMW, thank you for a table full of great prizes. Thanks to Terry and his helpers for setting up our prize table so neatly once again.

We also welcomed Mr Rudi Louw from SA Breweries, Southern Cape who sponsored all the Castle Lights at halfway house and he mentioned that he would continue sponsoring the same at future events, thank you also to him.

Thank you once again to the Pink Ladies for a well drawn up prize list. A slight delay because of a problem on score cards (just giving the guys at the bar time to get their last refreshments) but what can we say, they never let us down.

I had the privilege of inducting Hiron Snell and Jaques Cilliers and I wish them a very warm welcome to Nomads. I also handed over a 30 year tie award to Mike Hargreaves and I would like to congratulate him on this long service award milestone.

Thank you Steve for a slick handled prize giving, a slight glitch but it might have gone by unnoticed as well as forgotten to issue some tie presentations. Thank you to Peter for looking after our Pink Ladies by keeping them from getting thirsty as well as arranging the starters.

Once again I must compliment SC Nomads for adhering to correct dress code and I think we set good examples to our visiting Nomads clubs members as well as visitors and future Nomads on the waitlists, our hosts and also our sponsors, thank you.

A little bit of feedback on the recently completed Golden Nationals in Pretoria. I wish to congratulate the Northerns co-ordinator, Neill Malherbe and his team on a well polished Nationals, you guys really did a fine job and had everything well planned.

My viewpoint on SC Nomads was that the guys really enjoyed themselves, tried their best and behaved like Nomads should do although they did not stick together as they should. Attendance at prize givings was always to be the same faces every evening and I regret by saying that even though I personally spoke to individuals daily, even phoned them up requesting to attend, some would not even bother to attend and that was my sad experience of the Nationals.

Congratulations to those of you who won prizes and or even lucky draws, Colin Buck, you may complete my Bell’s tickets for me next year.

Of course SC Nomad’s name was held high by the hard work and dedication of John and Moira Richards by actually saving the Nationals for Northerns with John’s excellent program and assisting them at registration as well as doing everyday’s scorecards faultlessly and delivering it well in time before prize givings. Congratulations once again to John and Moira.

See you again at our next game on 30 May 2010 at George Golf Club.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                          14 March 2010 

The day included our Old Mutual pair’s day and me and my pair’s partner, Stephan Muller had to content with the day’s Sponsor Brian Eveleigh and his son David. They gave us a good hiding and golfing lesson though nevertheless whatever we tried, nothing seemed to work for us.

A great thank you to our host for the day, Meyer du Toit, a Nomad and also PGA Head Professional at Simola Golf Estate, the staff and Management of Simola Golf Estate for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your facilities.

To our local Sponsor of the day, Brian Eveleigh of Lantic Motors, thank you for a table full of wonderful prizes and also to the ladies at the short hole providing the players with some wake-up calls, thank you very much.

Thank you also to Paul Adams representing Golf Notions, Promotors of Old Mutual International Pairs SA for attending the day with SC Nomads on the course as well as off the course at prize giving, handing out the prize to the winning pair and giving us the background of how the system works.

I had the privilege of welcoming Rom Saffy on the 18^th green, having a toast of champagne with him and his 4 ball and handing over his 200^th game badge as he apologised attendance to prize giving due to family responsibilities. I also had the privilege of inducting Hiron Snell as a Nomad.

Once again our Pink Ladies were great under pressure handling the situation very well when the nearest to the pin cards were not handed in at the end by the last 4 ball delaying prize giving proceedings. We do find that players are reluctant to put in their R10.00 when tendering apologies for not attending prize giving and I would like those people tendering apologies to be honest and pay their dues. We do not want to police the tables and the Pink Ladies have a lot to attend to and are doing an excellent job in getting us men to play their round of golf without any worries.

We notice a decline in numbers attending monthly games and we are looking into the matter. Most probably the playing at Estate courses has an influence but it need to be investigated although our programme this year is not very different than last year. We do have a very unusual year with the World Cup Soccer taking place and we realise that things need to be rectified.

On the Golforama side of things, we do have an obligation of assisting at the Berenberg Bank Masters tournament which runs from 26 to 28 March 2010 and we require assistance from many SC Nomads members in order to assure a smooth running of events, Gents, please contact Steve Twycross or Peter Heydra in this regard and place your names with them. Please note that marshalling is not required but only green side scorers and/or updating of score boards etc. where required.

At our next monthly game we will most definitely have to make use of a main starter with starters at the 1^st and 9^th tees in order to have tee-offs running smoothly. Peter, please make use of our younger/most recent inducted Nomads club members.

Thank you Terry and your helpers for setting up the prize table so neatly once again, Steve, I think that prize giving again ran quite smooth, thank you.

I would like to congratulate Richard Plumb and his team of WP Nomads on running a very well and organised 45^th Anniversary, it really was a pleasure to attend and also to play those magnificent courses.

Our next game will only be on 2 May 2010 at Pinnacle Point Golf Estate but before then our club’s Nationals team will be off to Pretoria to hunt down the Bert Hunt trophy from 18 to 23 April 2010, good luck to each and every player.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                          25 February 2010

A great thank you to Kingswood Golf Estate for hosting us with on such a beautiful day with the rain I am pretty sure we all were praying for.  Nevertheless with such good company in my four ball in the likes of Reinard Killian from Kingswood, Ruaan Ferreira, our Sponsor for the day and the humorous Dugald Black, we had quite a pleasant day on the course.

Kingswood, apart from the first day of rain, was in an excellent condition and the green keeping staff can be congratulated. Reinard Killian tried his best to outclass us on his home course but due to the conditions also had to adjust his game to suit ours, once let go of the club which travelled nearly as far as the ball. To Reinard and all the staff and Management at Kingswood, thank you once again for allowing us to feel welcome and for the privilege of enjoying your facilities.

To our local Sponsor of the day, Ruaan Ferreira from Planet Golf, thank you for a table full of great prizes. Ruaan also gave the course his best shots but at times the wet weather also got the best of him but it really was a pleasure playing with you in our four ball Ruaan.

Not so good for all of us as I for one would normally, of course with full consent of the 4 ball I am playing in, have packed up because I just cannot play when everything is wet and I have to remove my glasses because then I am useless in golf.

To the Pink Ladies, what can we say? Thank you once again for a great job well done. With it of course comes the stress of waiting for the last four ball to hand in their scores, seeing them arriving but then only seeing one of them disappearing home (on the course) for a quick shower with the nearest to the holes pins with him. This of course delaying the start of prize giving although we actually started before he arrived.

I had the privilege of welcoming Mark Bryant into our midst to wear his ”Pinks” all the way from Natal and now a Southern Cape Nomad.

It was a long day teeing off from one tee and I guess that’s the reason for not having such a great turn-up at prize giving. I do realise that a long day out on the course and being wet as well could have the undesired effect on this. For those that did stay on, thank you very much and I again thank you all for having been dressed as per dress code.

Afterwards I learnt that 10 players walked off the course due to having gotten wet. If at all it was due to health reasons, I fully support their views. I do not know yet who they were but would not be surprised if they were some of our older members and if it affected a younger player in the four ball and he agreed, I do not have a problem with it. I have heard and read about introducing disciplininary action against them but I do not support it.

Our fines master could not fine anybody except for one as the rest had left before prize giving therefore it was abandoned.

Thank you Terry for setting up the prize table so neatly once again and after all the running around trying to get the prize sheets completed, Steve I think that prize giving ran quite smooth, thank you.

Seeing that time has now run out on me, I hereby end my report, see you later.

Our next game of course will be in two weeks time on 14 March 2010 at Simola Golf Estate and it will also be our Old Mutual Pairs day.

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s Report                                             01 February 2010

It was a great honour for me to play at my home club Mossel Bay Golf Course on my first outing as Captain of Southern Cape Nomads. Not having played here for some 3 – 4 weeks due to the festive season I could not believe when I saw the great shape the course was in after the heavy traffic it handled during December as well as the devastating drought that we are experiencing in the south of the country. An excellent job I would say by the green keeper and his staff. Also a big thank you to Elwee v/d Merwe and the Management of Mossel Bay Golf Club for your hospitality as well as the excellent service we had from the catering staff and the bar tenders.

To the Pink Ladies, Jill and your team, you were great once again for getting out the prize sheets in such a short time. Thank you once again.

We had one withdrawal for the day, Joe van Wyk, who phoned me early in the morning rushing to Stellenbosch in order to attend to his son who was stabbed for no reason and being treated in hospital and being in ICU. I have been in contact with Joe several times, his son’s life was saved and at present he is recovering at home. We wish him a speedy recovery.

I received lots of praise for the early starting time, should we keep it up? Of course also take in consideration travel distances when we play further north of south. I know its nice sleeping later on a Sunday morning but getting home earlier after the game is even better.

Terry and the team, thank you for setting up the prize table, it was fantastic once again. Thank you to Graham Robb, sponsor of the day for a variety of very good prizes.

Steve, well done on the prize giving, I think it went pretty smooth although I know that I once nearly made a hash of handing over a token of appreciation which might have gone by unnoticed.

I do not know whether it was my incoming speech at George or whatever it was but I was pleasantly surprised and I want to congratulate all the Nomads that attended prize giving for adhering to the rules and the good faith in which it was conducted. Nobody standing around, smoking outside or being in another bar in pinks etc. Thank you!

People, as requested, we still need assistance at the Di-Data Golforama to be played at Fancourt in a little more than a week’s time, PLEASE we need to support Tannah in his absence and get more numbers. Helping at Golforama events is also part of Nomads duties. If you even know about any other golfer available to assist, please contact Steve Twycross or Peter Heydra or myself with names. It is NOT marshalling, it’s assisting at scoreboards etc.

See you all Thursday at the meeting at 18:00 sharp at George Golf Club

Arthur Ambrose

Captain’s 1^st Report                                                 08 December 2009

 Prize giving

Firstly I want to thank all those members who assisted in the setting up of the Gold Cup Prize table. When I arrived moments before the 1^st tee-off, the prize table was already set up and Mark, Steve, John and Costas were busy there doing final checks, I know Terry would have done the Day’s prize table and I want to thank all of you as well as someone I might be missing here for your relentless assistance.

 To the Pink Ladies, of course as usual without a beat, you were great once again for getting out the prize sheets in such a short while.  Thank you again.

 Together, the Monthly Game and Gold Cup prize giving went off quite well but also not without me blushing and putting up a masked face and twice I think reading out names of certain category winners out of sync because I was saddened and on the other hand furious for when I read out some names, shouts from the members sitting at the back such as “STILL IN THE BAR” and “STILL IN PINKS” hit me hard. This kind of behaviour, as I see it as well as many other club members see it, is an insult to OUR CLUB as well as to our SPONSORS, it is not acceptable and those offenders will be dealt with as per constitution. For this reason I quote from the “Rules Of Play– Items 6 (vii), 7 and 8” as displayed on our Website with The Club’s Constitution:

6.    (vii)   DRESS AT PRIZE-GIVING
            At all Nomads Prize givings, Nomads shall wear Nomads Blazer, Navy or Black Slacks, White Shirt, Nomads Tie, Black Shoes, and Name and designation Badges. At National Tournaments, Nomads shall in addition wear
Tournament Badges.

7.    It shall be the duty of all players to apprise themselves of such local rules as may be in force at the Club at which the game is played.

8.    In all other respects, the 'Rules of Golf' as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club shall be observed.

Another golden rule is that if a member tenders an apology for not being able to be at prize giving, he/she shall leave the premises where the prize giving will be held.

I again wish to reiterate what I said in my speech on Sunday night, the two things I would target on is attendance at monthly games and prize givings and of course adhering to our dress code.

I again want to mention my humbleness and I am honoured on being inducted as Captain of SC Nomads Club and I am looking forward to serve this great club as best as I can. A great thank you to all the previous year’s committee members to once again serve on the committee in their various positions and I think I am the richest Captain of all the clubs when it comes to experience and knowledge.

Stephan Muller, a hearty welcome to the committee on taking over the care of our Club’s Finances from John Richards. John, thank you for all your hard work and in keeping our Club’s finance in such a sound position during the past couple of years.

Mark Ward Able, thank you so very much for all the guidance and support you so unreservedly passed on to me, I really appreciated it and learnt a lot from you.

Steve Twycross and Peter Heydra, congratulations on your elections as Vice Captain and Junior Vice Captain respectively. Enjoy your terms in office and please do not hesitate to ask any one of the committee members for any advice or assistance because as I mentioned before, they have all the answers.

May every single one of our Members, their Husbands / Wives, Children, Grand Children, Great Grand Children, Parents and grand parents etc. enjoy a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a very prosperous and happy new year. Let us come back next year, safe and sound, happy and strong for many more pleasant Nomadic experiences in the future.

Arthur Ambrose

NOVEMBER 2009

I wish that I could lay claim to having organised our weather for Sunday, 22 November at Mossel Bay. The weather being perfect, it is no wonder that we had some good scoring again, with Jimmy Leggatt and Colin Buck both producing 41 pointers in the C Division. Well played guys.

We were once again welcomed in 5 Star style by Mossel Bay Golf Club. Every staff member could not do enough to make us feel more welcome and special. Even Graeme was dressed in a pink shirt to show his affinity with us pinkies!! Bertu Nel, CEO of Mossel bay was a really gracious host and I was indeed privileged to have him partner me for the day. The golf course was in an absolutely pristine condition. The ravages of the severe drought that we are experiencing in the Southern Cape has taken its toll, but the manicuring of the course is really wonderful. Bertu, kindly pass on my, and all of our members’ gratitude to all of your staff, whether they be starters, front and back office as well as course staff, for the magnificent venue and facilities that we enjoyed. We are also exceptionally grateful that Mossel bay will once again host Southern Cape Nomads next year at members’ rates. Thank you.

Our sponsors for the day, TOR Construction, were once again wonderful. The watering hole at the 15^th tee has become a tradition with them and really adds to the enjoyment of our game. Next year will be the 5^th year that they will be sponsoring our late Mossel bay game and they have promised that we must just watch the space. To …, thank you so very much for the wonderful sponsorship. Sponsors as you allow us to be able to channel more funds to those less fortunate than ourselves. For this, we are very grateful, thank you.

Arthur handed over a cheque to Kenani Service Centre, who are the main beneficiaries of his Andrew Mentis Fund raising efforts this year. It is always heart warming to experience and witness the gratitude of those less fortunate than ourselves. My gratitude also goes out to every member who contributed to this effort this year.

Behind the scenes in every organisation is always hectic, but the AGM went off well. My congratulations to our new incumbents for 2010, JVC Peter Heydra, Vice Captain Steve Twycross and our Captain, Arthur Ambrose. Gentlemen, may your years on the Committee be extremely enriching and enjoyable.

Several matters were raised under General at the AGM, which need to be addressed here. First, the question of why we play at so many Estate courses that are exponentially expensive. For 2010, we have only 5 Monthly games being played at estate courses, being Kingswood, Simola, Pinnacle Point, Fancourt and Pezula. I can assure every member that your Committee negotiate with every Club and Estate when considering the next year’s itinery to ensure that we can afford our members the very best rates possible. We in the Southern Cape are exceptionally fortunate, and jealously regarded by Nomads country-wide, that we have the best courses in the country on which to play, and who welcome us with open arms and grant us special rates. It is an unfortunate fact that the cost of playing has increased, as green fees are adjusted to cover the rising costs in maintenance of the courses. It is also becoming much more difficult to get bookings at preferential rates and your Committee have agreed to accept either morning or afternoon fields, and not our “traditional” times. The possibility of a referendum during next year was mentioned, as to whether estate courses should still be included in our itinery. Your incoming Committee will look at this matter.

Dress code was also mentioned. Gentlemen, our national Chairman was not very impressed with our dress code during his visit. As will be noticed, your Committee has also taken to imparting decent fines on transgressors. I expect that every Nomad should be proud to wear his playing and dress uniform. When you joined Southern Cape, you were well aware of the fact that we wear pink! Take pride in your Club and your uniform. Transgressors will be dealt with properly. Your Committee has also

secured a pink cap for every member who has paid his subs, which will be handed out at Gold Cup. Your cap will have your name embroidered on it and no transgression for incorrect cap attire will be accepted thereafter.

This is now my final report. I have enjoyed a wonderful 12 months at the helm of your Club. May the Club and it’s members go from strength to strength. Thank you again for the wonderful privilege afforded me and the trust that you have placed in me.

Mark Ward Able

Captain: Southern Cape Nomads: 2009 

                                  SOUTHERN CAPE NOMADS

                                        CAPTAINS REPORT

                               ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

                                        22 NOVEMBER 2009

Messrs Past National Chairman, Members of the Committee, Honourary Members, Fellow Members, Pink Ladies

It is my pleasure to report as follows regarding the affairs of Southern Cape Nomads:

It is with a sense of sadness that I have come to the end of my tenure as Captain of Southern Cape. What an interesting year I have had, as well as a very fulfilling year due to the wonderful support and friendship that I have received from all quarters. I have indeed been privileged to have been entrusted with the Captaincy and to have received the support from all of our members. I take from this year just how special each and every member is, just how rewarding being a member of this great Club is. To each and every member of Southern Cape, I am very grateful for being afforded this opportunity and I wholeheartedly recommend that every member should aspire to this office. I have enjoyed my years on the Committee tremendously and have been rewarded beyond measure. Thank you.

MEMBERSHIP

We have inducted 11 members, with 8 Prospective Members awaiting process. We have also had 15 resignations, due to financial and health reasons, which is always very sad. Our current membership stands at 134.

I have had many highlights this year, but several stand out. First, we welcomed our 2^nd Captain, Nigel Tipping, back into the pink fold, after his sojourn in Western Cape, and then I had the privilege of playing with him and presenting him his 350^th Game Badge at my own Club, Stilbaai. Derrick Hattingh, who is unfortunately now wheelchair bound, was awarded his 40^th Year Tie, which was handed over to him at Pezula. To think that many of our members were not even born when he was inducted into Nomads! Also, Dougie James, the only surviving founder member of Mossel Bay Golf Club, founded in 1905, was presented with his 200^th Game Badge. What an honour to present all of these gentlemen with these high awards.

FINANCES

Our finances have never been better looked after and managed as this year, with John Richards doing a magnificent job. Unfortunately, we saw a downturn in playing numbers, which has had a negative effect upon our finances. Green fees did, for the most part, also increase during the year, but we are really privileged to be so well treated by our host Clubs.

Your Committee took a decision at the beginning of my year that this Club would stick to the deadlines as stipulated in our Constitution, as for several years now our treasurer has battled to get the annual subscriptions in before the capitation fees were due to be paid over to Natex. This resulted in claims having to be made, and substantial claims, to Natex for refunds of over payment of Capitation fees, also causing your Committee embarrassment. I am very pleased to announce that we are up to date with our annual subscriptions.

HOST CLUBS

We, as Southern Cape Nomads, are exceptionally privileged to be graciously hosted by our Clubs, which must be about the best venues in the country! Our hosts this year have all expressed a wish to continue to be associated with Nomads. The Clubs who have, and still are to graciously host us this year are, in order from West to East:

Stilbaai, Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, Oubaai, Kingswood, George,

Simola, Knysna, Pezula, Plettenberg bay, Goose Valley.

SPONSORSHIP

Every monthly game this year has been sponsored, as is the norm over the past several years. We are exceptionally proud to be associated with our sponsors, both local and National, who enable us to be able to channel our funds to most worthy causes. The wonderful support that we as Southern Cape Nomads receive from our local sponsors, who remain with us year-in and year-out, is very heartening, and especially in this economic climate. Our gratitude to all of you is immeasurable. Terry Dimitelis, our Sponsor PRO, is worth his weight in gold, which is considerable!! Thank you, Terry, for all your hard work in obtaining sponsors, as well as keeping them happy.

JUNIOR GOLF

Our Volvo Day was planned for February, but was moved due to a request from the sponsors/organisers, which resulted in us not being able to fill sufficient spots to make it worthwhile and the day was canned. The original date had been approved by both the organisers and the sponsors, and the changing of the date was the main cause of the cancellation as the economic downturn hit the Southern Cape in earnest. The Junior Golf Foundation also found themselves in the difficult position of not being able to account for funds, and the incumbent President stood down under pressure from the parents. An investigation and audit are still underway, but the present Committee are heading in the right direction.

GOLFORAMA

The Southern Cape has been fairly busy this year and next year appears to be even busier. Our co-ordinator, Tannah Harris, has done a marvellous job of his portfolio. He is also the incumbent President of the Southern Cape Golf Union, which post assists him with all his negotiations with Clubs etc. Tannah and his merry band of volunteers have performed a memorable task so far, with 3 tournaments completed and another 3 to go. Early next year is also going to be busy. Congratulations on a job very well done.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Nationals was a wonderful week, personally but not golfingly. Unfortunately, with 28 shanks for the week, I did not set the correct example, yet my charges followed suit and we ended well down the pecking order! The Tournament was wonderfully organized and thoroughly enjoyed by all of our attendees. Thanks to Jay and his team, as well as to Mark and his Club for hosting us.

The Seaboard Trophy was once again played at Goose Valley, who are very gracious and friendly hosts. Again, I set the incorrect example, as, for some reason, I have been having my worst golfing year in Nomads in the 17 years that I have been a member. Again, my charges followed my example, which in itself is flattering, and we finished well down the batting order, with Boland also pipping us for the Boland challenge for the John Mundell Trophy. My congratulations to Steve Twycross, our JVC, for a very well-run tournament.

Congratulations to Alistair and his WP team for the conquests along the way and holding the two Major Nomads Trophies, Bert Hunt and the Seaboard. Well done chasps.

PINK LADIES

Berti Harris, our match Secretary, has a really wonderful bevie of beauties so capably assisting her in her duties. To all of you, Berti, Jill, Ruenda, Helen and Sandra, you always brighten up our day, when we arrive in a good mood, we become really jovial and when we arrive a bit worse for wear, we always brighten up and the day becomes just wonderful. Thank you all for the wonderful work that you perform. Without you Ladies in our lives, we would really be very much poorer.

ANDREW MENTIS

Arthur Ambrose has chosen Kenani Old Age Home in Mossel Bay as his charity for this year. With the recession having descended upon us this year, it is improbable that he is going to reach his full budget. However, R57 000-00 has been raised and will be put to good use to assist those less fortunate than ourselves.

GENERAL

The words of our Creed have been brought to life for me over the past 3 years. “No man is an island…” is such an apt Creed for us Nomads. Never once have I felt alone, never once have I had to approach any task alone, as there is always one of us assisting and ready to support one. Nomads Golf Club has enriched my life so hugely that I can only wish and hope that I will be able to continue giving to this Club.

The members of Southern Cape Nomads, I thank you sincerely for the wonderful honour that you bestowed upon me by making me your Captain for 2009. This experience that I have enjoyed tremendously, will forever be of my fondest memories. Nomads has assisted me in finding real and true happiness.

To my children, thank you for your support as well. It has been a trying year, but your support and love has carried me along tremendously.

To my Committee, who have supported me tremendously through thick and thin, I sincerely thank you all for enriching my life so much. Thank you.

May every Nomad aspire to this office and be enriched as much as I have been.

I am exceptionally proud, and very humbled at the same time, to be able to say that I was Captain of Southern Cape Nomads for 2009.   

Your loyal servant

Mark Ward Able

Captain: Southern Cape Nomads: 2009  

CAPTAIN’S REPORT: OCTOBER 2009

How very privileged I have been this year, as every year that I have been a member of this wonderful Club, but more so as I have had the honour to honour several very special Nomads this year and yesterday was no exception. Congratulations to Derrick Hattingh upon receiving his 40^th year tie!!! Wow, to think that many of our members were not even born yet!! Well done, Derrick, and may your health hold well for you. Liz, thank you for the effort of getting Derrick up to Pezula to receive his well deserved award.

Pezula was, as is always the case when they have at least a little water, in absolute pristine condition and we were welcomed, as usual, extremely warmly. The staff was again at their friendliest and most efficient and our day was made all the more pleasant by this.

I was honoured to have had the company of AJ Wilson, an ex Nomad, as the Pezula representative as my playing partner. AJ, please pass on Southern Cape Nomad’s gratitude and congratulations to the Club staff, Pro-shop staff, as well as the course staff. Your facilities are really excellent and the course was presented in a fabulous condition. We are truly privileged as Nomads to be granted the courtesy of the use of your facilities and long may our association continue. Thank you, too, for your good play that ensured us not only a full house on the side-bets, but also a lovely bottle of Bell’s from our poor opponents. Even though we won the Best Playing 4-ball, we ensured that they did not even look like poaching the tee from us. Thank you, AJ, and may our paths cross again soon.

Hennie van Zyl, of Nashua, our wonderful sponsor at Pezula, yet again presented a prize table of wonderful quality. Guys, we are truly privileged to be graced and supported by Sponsors such as Hennie and Nashua. We as Nomads have a reciprocal duty to our sponsors to support them whenever we can. Hennie, thank you ever so much for the great sponsorship that you have continued for many a year. Such sponsorship enables us to channel funds to fulfil our aims as Nomads, to assist those less privileged than ourselves, as well as for the furtherance of golf. Thank you, Hennie.

Congratulations also go to our new inductees, Brendon Shamrock and Pierre Meyer. May you both enjoy many years of Nomads camaraderie and fun. Be proud of our Club, which reaches 50 years in 2010, and support all the activities.

A very warm welcome to Carl Grobler, who has decided to join us in Pink from Botswana. Carl is a past National Chairman of Botswana and a Honourary member. Welcome, car, and we trust that your association with us in the Land of Pink will be a lengthy and happy one.

Our pink Ladies are not just pretty faces and pleasant Ladies, but are exceptionally efficient as well. Well done Jill, Ruenda and Helen on a job very well done and finished within 5 minutes of the last cards being handed in.

Our next game on 22 November at Mossel Bay is our Annual General Meeting as well. Kindly get your entries in for Junior Vice-Captain and Vice- Captain timeously. I look forward to a full field and a full hall for the AGM and prize giving. Mossel Bay is a Club that always welcomes us with open arms. Let us reciprocate as well.

Thank you to my Committee who have functioned so well this year and who have made my task so much easier and more pleasant.

Keep your eyes on your balls.

Mark Ward Able

Captain: Southern Cape Nomads: 2009   

CAPTAIN’S NEWSLETTER: SEPTEMBER 2009

My goodness me, what a privilege it was for me to play with Nigel Tipping on Sunday. Nigel joined Nomads as a Founder Member of Easterns in June 1978. He relocated to Plettenberg Bay and joined Eastern Cape. He subsequently assisted in the inauguration of Southern Cape and, as a Founder Member of our Club, served as our 2^nd Captain. He then again relocated, this time to Western Province, where he also served as Captain and later attained the highest Office in Nomads, as National Chairman in 1998/1999. Nigel was also subsequently honoured with Honourary Membership by western province. In 2009, Nigel and Jenny returned to Plettenberg Bay and he rejoined Southern Cape. Nigel has not missed a single Nomad’s game since 1983, and averages 11,2 games per year for 31 years and 3 months. Nigel I am honoured to have been in the privileged position to award you your 350^th game badge. You, Sir, are a true Nomad. All I can hope for is that your wonderful example will help to inspire the rest of our members. You are always available and assist with Golforama and any other matters and events that arise.

The weekend at Stilbaai was attended by all our usual stalwarts, and some new warts also arrived. The braai was pretty well attended, as was the golf on the Saturday, when Stilbaai hosted a fundraising day for the local Old Age Home. In true Nomadic style, a member, who shall remain anonymous at his request, pushed r1000-00 into my hand with the instruction that it was to be an anonymous donation to the Old Age Home. You know who you are, Sir, and I have been requested to pass on the Old Age Home’s expressed gratitude for your wonderful generosity. This is a wonderful gesture and really says a lot about what our wonderful Club is about. Thank you, from me and my Committee, as well.

The weather threatened at stages, but fortunately our threats overrode the weather threat and we ended up have a lovely, if somewhat chilly and gentle breezy day.

Hennie Slabbert, President of Stilbaai Golf Club, was a most entertaining and pleasant playing partner, along with Nigel and Tannah, who is always the same. Poor Berti. Hennie, please pass on our gratitude to your staff and members for making us Nomads so welcome at your lovely facility. The service we found to be very pleasant and efficient and all very reasonably priced too. The course was quite an eye-opener for those who hadn’t played there before. Not only are the views magnificent, but the course is very interesting and was in pretty good nick. Please also pass on our gratitude to your outstanding Course Superintendent, who is also your captain, and is me! [that is the only way that I can ever get any compliments!]

Our sponsor for the day was Ralph Tarr, of HONDA CLASSIC, who set up a great prize table. We are indeed fortunate to be in the position to be graced with sponsors such as Ralph and his business. Ralph, thank you ever so much for the great prize table and wonderful support that you afford Southern Cape Nomads. It is through selfless sponsorships as yours that enable us as Nomads to be able to assist those less fortunate than ourselves and also to promote the furtherance of golf. Thank you to you and you most able staff who also attended the weekend.

Our wonderful and beautiful Pink Ladies were again absolute stars. Ladies, you spoil us rotten with all the special smiles and pleasantries that you have for us. Your work is also outstanding. Thank you.

There were no inductions at Stilbaai, but I am looking forward to inducting new members at Pezula in October, as well as welcoming a Honourary Member and Past National Chairman from Botswana, Carl Grobler, into Pinkie-land.

The current recession is taking its toll. We trust that every member will be able to ride out the storm in a safe haven and be able to rededicate themselves to our great Club.

When things get tough, don’t throw a sock, but take a break and count your blessings, which ALWAYS outweigh your problems.

I look forward to seeing a full field at Pezula on 18 October. Please bring some extra goodwill along, as there will be some articles up for auction, the proceeds of which will be going into the Andrew Mentis Fund. Please support your Vice-Captain in his fund raising efforts.

Best Nomadic regards

Mark Ward Able

Captain: Southern Cape Nomads: 2009   

CAPTAIN’S LETTER, AUGUST 2009

SEABOARD

The Seaboard Trophy was competed for by Western Province, Eastern Cape, Border, Southern Cape and Boland on Saturday 8 August 2009 at Goose Valley Golf Club in Plettenberg Bay.

Goose Valley, as usual, welcomed us with open arms and the course, facilities and staff was up to their usual high standard.

As is customary, old friends were greeted enthusiastically in typical Nomadic style.

I was joined by the sponsor, Cliffie Barnard of Bogeyman Golf, Peter Erasmus of Goose Valley and our own Past National Chairman, Ken Haldane. Thank you Gentlemen for a lovely day.

The Trophy was hotly contested, with Western Province adding the Seaboard Trophy to the Bert Hunt Trophy in their trophy cabinet. Congratulations to Alistair Simmonds and his team.

The Boland Challenge for the John Mundell Trophy was also contested over the same venue, and it was the boys in green, Boland, who snatched the trophy from under our noses. Congratulations to Mark Philp and his team.

To our co-ordinator of the Seaboard Trophy, JVC Steve Twycross, you did a magnificent job. Very well done, Steve and thank you. Now you can start to let your thoughts wonder to who your beneficiary for your Andrew Mentis Endowment Fund collections will be. Again, well done.

On Sunday 9 August 2009 we played our monthly game at Plettenberg Bay Country Club. We had a full day’s field, with most participants from the Seaboard again joining us for this day.

As is usual, Plett was in an immaculate condition. I was joined by our sponsor of the day, Ulrich Gerber of Brandhouse who carry Bell’s, Rod Gray, Captain of Plettenberg Bay Country Club, and our National Chairman, Ken Walker. Thank you Gentlemen, for a most enjoyable afternoon. Ken Walker did a double over this weekend, by winning the A Division on both Saturday and Sunday, with very steady golf. Well played, Sir.

The spirit of the Boland boys at the 18^th was fantastic, and had my fourball in fits of laughter from as far afield as the 15^th hole! Thank you guys for the wonderful spirits that you displayed/enjoyed.

Not many would have believed that a 40 pointer would have been possible over the Plett course as it was set up, yet our equipment Manager, Costas Polydorou did just that. Congratulations, Costas and well played.

Our next game is at Stilbaai over the weekend of 26/27 September 2009, when we will be having our Family weekend. Please bring your wives/partners/cousins along and enjoy the weekend. On Saturday night, a braai will be held at the golf club for all members and Nomads. The whales should also still be in the bay and the galjoen  should also still be biting. See you all there

CAPTAIN’S REPORT JULY 2009

 The Southern challenge has been and gone, and along with it Southern Natal’s 25^th Anniversary.

 We decided to attack the Southern Challenge 6 or nix. Well, we were truly shafted by the locals, but a good loss is better than bemoaning the fact that just 1 putt could have evened out or won the tournament!! [Do all losing Captains have the same excuse?] Ian Stewart, to you and your team and co-ordinator, a very great thank you for the wonderful weekend. The weather was superb and the venues of top quality.

 Ian, to you and your Club, congratulations on your 25^th Anniversary and all the wonderful events surrounding it. Your co-ordinator, Mike Lee needs to be congratulated, as also everyone else who was involved in the arrangements. Thank you all and enjoy your Club’s achievement.

 I do apologise to all my members and in particular to all of you who travelled to Margate. I have been having a total ‘mare on the golf course, which started at Nationals, and has still not left me. Sorry, guys, but I am really battling my game. I also would like to say that I was truly honoured to have Captained the team on this trip. Thank you guys for all your camaraderie, humour and understanding. It was an exceptionally special time for me for a couple of reasons, not least being the Southern Challenge weekend.

 In order to prevent the cost of the weekend from becoming too much for payment in one go, we will be looking at starting to collect monies from now for 2011’s Challenge. Listen to announcements and read the website.

 Stan Fry, thank you very much for all your arrangements. Everything went smoothly and the digs were great as well. Tannah, your contribution is also greatly appreciated.

 The first round of the GPKO was played at George on 26 July, during our monthly game. What a pleasure and privilege to be hosted at this wonderful facility. To Kobus Landman, captain of George Golf club, it was an honour and privilege to have a round of golf with you over our old stomping ground after 17 years! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and to your members and grounds staff, thank you all for presenting us with this top class golf course in such good condition and allowing us the privilege of being able to utilise your facilities.

 To our sponsors of the day, TEKKIE TOWN, Braam van Huyssteen, we are extremely fortunate to have sponsors such as yourself. The prize table was, as usual, fantastic. It is sponsors such as yourselves who keep our costs down and afford us the opportunity to garner funds for those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you very much.

 We had three inductions at George, father and son Brian and David Eveleigh, and Bell’s representative from Brandhouse, Ulrich Gerber as a sponsor member. Welcome to the Club, Gentlemen, and may you all enjoy many years of Nomads fellowship.

 Graham Williams was again up to his old tricks and really caught me for a sucker with his “cigarette’. Graham, you are incorrigible. Thank you for al the lighter moments that you are responsible for.

 The Pink Ladies- wow! Berti and team, you Ladies excel yourselves each and every week, even when new Ladies join you. Ruenda Polydorou, Jill Heydra and Di Bjorkmann joined Berti and Helen and coped admirably. Well done and thank you Ladies.

 Steve, to you and your starters, Leon Campher and Denham Fish, thank you for ensuring that the field teed off smoothly.

 Slow play is a pest that definitely needs to be addressed. Please, Gentlemen, slow play is just bad manners and selfishness. Keep up with the players ahead of you and do not try to keep with the players behind you. Somehow, slow rounds are usually caused by players early in the field. Please, gents, let us improve on the speed that we play this wonderful game and grant everyone in the field a chance to finish their round in the light of day. Slow play also causes the lateness of prize givings. Enough said.

 The Seaboard Trophy is fast approaching, to be played at Goose Valley Golf Club on 8 August, 2009 and the monthly game at Plettenberg Bay on 9 August 2009.  We are being joined by our friends from Western Province, Eastern Cape, Border and Boland and will have a fight on our hands to win the trophy. I am looking forward to seeing everybody at Goose and Plett. Steve Twycross, your JVC, is putting together a good tournament and I hope to have a good field of Pinkies there to support him and your Club.

 Gentlemen, in these times especially, with the economy under attack, it is our duty as Nomads to support our sponsors wherever possible. We are exceedingly fortunate to have such quality and loyal sponsors and they deserve our support.

 See you all at Goose and Plett

 Mark Ward Able

Captain: Southern Cape Nomads: 2009

CAPTAIN’S MUSINGS FOR JUNE 2009

What a most pleasant weekend was had by all, by all accounts. I know that I and my friends from Stilbaai, all 12 of us, [yes 12!!] had a wonderful time both on and off the course, even if Kabous and I were forced to take a route march on Saturday night after a most pleasant meal at Limani Blue. Eli, thank your great staff for a wonderful welcome and meal from us [8 this time] Stilbaaiers.

The Andrew Mentis Fundraiser was once again organised by John Richards, who produced his normal flawless event [flawless up front, with others chasing his blood pressure up, Terry]. John, to you, a very big thank you. To Rieco van der Linde and Bogeyman/Cellshack, what a magnificent prize table!!! Rieco, thank you and your family very much for such a wonderful sponsorship!! Thank you also fro the very beautiful gift that I received.

Our thanks, from Southern Cape, go out to all the visitors who travelled from as far afield as Gauteng, Cape Town and even the Boland. Thank you all for supporting this wonderful fund raiser and assisting us in collecting funds for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Congratulations to all the prize winners.

To Pezula, the catering staff, the pro-shop staff, the grounds staff, a very big thank you to all of you for the wonderful hospitality afforded us Nomads, the friendly and pleasant service received and the privilege of enjoying your magnificent facilities. We are looking forward to visiting you again later on in the year. Thank you.

Our monthly game was played over the Knysna course on Sunday. This is the Centenary year of Knysna Golf Club and we wish them, their members and staff, another 100 years of prosperous golf fellowship. The hospitality at Knysna was yet again up there with the best, with friendly staff and service. I was very privileged to have had the pleasure of playing with Chris Dixon, a very pleasant young gentleman and the local appy-Club Pro. Chris, thank you for joining us at such short notice. I thoroughly enjoyed your company. All the best with your studies as well.

I also had the privilege of inducting Gerrie Hendriks fro Beaufort West as a Nomad. Welcome to the fold, Gerrie. May you have many years wonderful Nomadic Fellowship.

Anton Izaakse Snr was awarded his 10 year tie and Jeff Santa Clause, who’s Liezl was not well, was awarded his 15 year tie in absentia. Congratulations, Gentlemen, and may you enjoy many more years of Nomadic fellowship.

Messrs Nigel Tipping and Bennie Raubenheimer, who was almost voted in as President, made up the rest of my 4-ball, poor fellas. Thank you too you gentleman as well for helping make my day very pleasant indeed.

What can we do without our sponsors? I was privileged to have met Ulrich Gerber, the local representative for Bell’s, and the Area Manager of Brandhouse, who has now applied for membership as well. Ulrich, we as Nomads are greatly indebted to Bell’s for the fantastic sponsorship that they afford Nomads countrywide, and especially in the Southern Cape. Thank you.

Our sponsor for the day at Knysna was none other than Piet Meyer, of VodaShop, Knysna. What a magnificent prize table!! Piet, you excelled yourself and we are indebted for your wonderful generosity. Thank you very much.

I was also greatly privileged to receive Derrick Hattingh, who unfortunately arrived after prize-giving, but who we will honour at Pezula as a Club, who is to be awarded his 40 year tie. I only have another 23 years to go!! Congratulations, Derrick! We are all proud along with you.

The Volvo Amateur Masters is being played on 2 July 2009 at George Golf Club. The cost is R250-00 per player/R1000-00 per 4-ball. All of the takings on the day are paid over to the Junior Golf Foundation, which was started by Nomads al those years ago. All our current crop of top golf pro’s, Ernie, Retief, Trevor, Rory and Tim, as well as all of them on the European Tour, are all products of the South African Junior Golf Foundation, a fact that we as Nomads can be very proud of. Please, guys, let us support this very worthwhile cause and fill the field on 2/7. Contact Arthur Ambrose, your Vice-Captain for bookings, and check your e-mails.

The Southern Challenge is almost upon us. Tannah reports that there are still some slots available for anyone wishing to attend. The fuel for the bus has already been issued, so the bus will not run out of juice between Mossel Bay and PE.

The Seaboard Trophy is fast approaching as well, which is the weekend of 8 & 9 August 2009, played over Goose Valley on 8/8 and at Plettenberg Bay Golf Club on 9/8. Contact your Junior Vice-Captain, Steve Twycross, for bookings, please.

Gentlemen, it is your duty to ensure that you get your dates correct. I don’t know whether it is just a Knysna thing, whether Knysna is a week behind the rest of us or what. Please guys, you create unnecessary problems.

There was a marked improvement in our dress code, and our Protocol Officer, Flats, in particular, and the Committee in general, thank everyone for their co-operation in this regard. Please guys, when inviting a visitor to play with us, it is your responsibility to ensure that he is correctly attired at all times. In future, no prizes will be handed over to any person who is not wearing a blazer/jacket and tie.

Well, Guys and Dolls, I am halfway though my year. I did not realise that a person could age so quickly! I mean, the year has almost past and it feels as if only a couple of weeks have past. What an interesting and rewarding and fulfilling time I am having. I would appreciate it if all of you would also begin to enjoy it as much as I am. Come on, guys, let us have more fun, more jokes, more pranks and all.

I would like some feedback from you folk, please. Would you prefer to play in morning fields, or afternoon fields, or mix the two around? Kindly speak to any Committee member in this regard.

Cheers and thanks, Mark

Captain’s Chatters

Our monthly game for May has been and was blown over the cliffs at Pinnacle Point along with a container! Gad, but that was the worst wind that I have ever played in and surely do not want to do that again in a hurry!

Having only lost 9 balls, and scoring 19 points, I feel somewhat poorer today, yet much richer for having had the great pleasure of playing with our National Chairman, Ken Walker, who comes originally from Natal and is now in WP. Even he, who emanates from the world of windy golf, found the conditions very trying. Accompanying us were the local representative, Johan du Bruyn who also found the conditions rather trying, as well as our sponsor of the day, Raymond Botha from Lynn Schroeder BMW. How privileged we are to be supported so loyally by such wonderful sponsors who year after year present a prize table of magnificent proportions.

Again, how privileged we are to be able to be hosted by Clubs of the standard that we enjoy every month, the envy of Nomads country-wide! To Johan du Bruyn, the staff and the grounds staff, thank you all very much for the wonderful way that we are greeted, met, served and pampered whenever we visit your magnificent facility.

Mr. Walker, thank you for visiting us so early in your reign as National Chairman. Thank you also for the kind words, as well as the very important point that you made regarding our dress code, which we must never allow to degrade into just another common golfing society. Thank you for spending the weekend with us. May your tenure as National Chairman be extremely rewarding, both for you and Sheila.

Due to the weather conditions the scoring was a tad low, with 28 winning the A-division. I wonder if the scores set any kind of record?

Next month we are playing our Andrew Mentis Weekend at Pezula, with our monthly game at Knysna. Make sure that your entries are received timeously to ensure your self a spot, as only 25 4-balls can be accommodated. Contact John Richards for entries etc.

We were also honoured by the presence of Johan Kemp, Free State and new National PRO and Rian van der Merwe, Boland and immediate past National PRO and Visitor Without Portfolio. Johan found the stiff breeze rather trying, but promises to work at it, whilst Rian is looking forward to “relaxing” after his 4-year tenure as National PRO, who took Nomads to new heights with our sponsors.

Past National Chairman, past Southern Cape Captain and past Western Province Captain Nigel Tipping has come home to roost and was officially accepted as a transferee from WP. Welcome home Nigel.

Two new members were inducted: Henry Marais from Mossel Bay and Gerhard Reinders from Beaufort West. Congratulations gentlemen and welcome to our wonderful Club. I am sure that you will both enjoy many years of fantastic Nomading.

Gavin Williams received his 15 year tie, Les Marais received his 10 year tie and Terry Dimitelis received his 5 year tie. Congratulations gentlemen and may you enjoy many more enjoyable Nomading years to come.

Dup du Pisanie and Ruaan Ferreira received their Silver Salvers. Once again, gents, well played.

What can be said about our Pink Ladies that hasn’t already been said ad infinitum! Ladies, thank you so very much for the wonderful smiles and warm greetings that you always lavish on us when we arrive, as well as the highly competent completion of the scoring whilst we enjoy ourselves in the pub and in the showers. Thank you so very much for all that you do for us and long may you continue with us!!

I am looking forward to seeing all of you in Knysna next month. Remember, without our sponsors, our golf would cost us very much more. Show a little respect towards our sponsors and attend all prize givings, please. After all, the prize giving function is part and parcel of what we as Nomads stand for. Come on, guys, make the effort.

Mark Ward Able

Captain: 2009

The Captains News - April 2009

A wonderful THANK YOU to Kingswood Golf Estate for hosting us in perfect golfing weather, for some. More of that later.

This is a year in which I am so privileged as to be accompanied at each game by the Host Club Representative, as well as the main Sponsor for the day. Gentlemen, this is truly a privilege as I get the opportunity, not only of cementing old ties and friendships, but also of making new friends. We in the Southern Cape are extremely privileged in that we are granted the privilege of playing golf at what must be the greatest collection of golf courses in the country and are the envy of all other Clubs.

Kingswood is in excellent condition. Especially if one takes into consideration the drought conditions that the Southern Cape is experiencing, then Kingswood is in outstanding condition. The greenkeeping staff is to be congratulated in their endeavours.

Reinard Killian was the gracious host from Kingswood. Unfortunately my great play put him under a tremendous amount of pressure to emulate and his score almost mirrored mine. Reinard, a very big THANK YOU to all the staff and Management at Kingswood for making us feel so welcome and allowing us the privilege of enjoying your wonderful facilities. Thank you also for the great day spent in your company.

Without our sponsors, we as Nomads would never be able to fulfil our aims and objectives, let alone be able to present an affordable costing for our monthly games. At Kingswood we were once again blessed with a great local sponsor, Ruaan Ferreira, of GOLF CONNEXION in George, who presented yet another top quality prize table. Ruaan, it was an absolute pleasure to have been a burden to you on the course and to have spent a most enjoyable day in your company. From Southern Cape Nomads, thank you very much for the wonderful support that you afford our Club.

Guys, without our sponsors, we would be hard pressed to continue. It is also our duty to support our sponsors who so generously support us.

I am no stranger to match boxes, having been a roker almost all my life. I have won the Golden Matchbox before as well. In any competitive environment, there is always some poor, sad sod that will come last. I, however, although poor, am not sad. I will carry with pride for the next month the fact that I only scored a measly 19 points, which pints, I can tell you, were all hard fought. I have now doubled my handicap from a 2 to a 4, which is slightly more manageable. I was also privileged to have been of assistance to our hardworking, energetic and conscientious Equipment Officer, Costas Polydorou, in breaking down the Altar. Costas you are doing an excellent job, keep it up.

What can one say about our bevy of beauties, the Pink Ladies, who greet us so warmly each and every game that we play? Ladies, Berti, June and Helen, please take a bow. I look forward to seeing you Ladies every month. Thank you for your concern and support, it does mean a tremendous amount to me.

Gentlemen, if it is not possible for you to attend prize giving, you are obliged to enter your name on the apologies list and deposit your R10-00 fine/fee. If you do not, and your name is called out for a prize, you embarrass your Vice and Captain, as well as your Club, due to the lack of respect that you show towards your Club, the host Club and, more especially, our sponsor of the day. I take a very dim view of such behaviour. Attending prize giving is part and parcel of the whole Nomadic experience, and each and every Nomad is expected to stay for prize giving. Unfortunately, many of our Senior members are setting a bad example to the younger members. Come on Gents, let us get back to a stage where the prize givings are full, with only a very few apologies/absentees. Our members and waitlisteds from the furthest outreaches of our area, namely Beaufort west and Stilbaai, always attend the prize givings, so there can be no excuse for you folk who live closer by. My pet hate and I want to achieve a greater presence at prize givings this year.

Our Nationals team had a get together after the game at the Greek Hall. Terry, thank you, as well as the Greek Community for allowing us the privilege of using the facilities. Once again, Terry proved that his organisational skills are great. A lovely meal was enjoyed by all who attended. We are really proud to go to Nationals with a beautiful, pink cap, very generously sponsored by Reinette and Leslie Marais of George Lodge International. The caps are great and I know will assist in inspiring us to great heights in our quest of the Bert Hunt Trophy. Thank you Les and Reinette.

Thank you also to John Richards who ordered the caps and had the embroidery done, which really looks great, John.

 Dugald, thank you for handling the fines session so ably and at such short notice! Well done.

 Our next game is at Pinnacle point, which have come to the party wonderfully and have offered us the courtesy of their course at a cost to us of R250-00, cart included. You will only be liable for your own half-way house refreshments. See you there on 24 May, and hopefully we will be able to display the Bert Hunt Trophy.

 Mark Ward Able

 Captain 2009

Captain’s News - March 2009

Simola played host to us on Sunday 22 March 2009. As usual, we were made to feel extremely welcome by the wonderful staff, ably led by the young Turkish Pro, Meyer du Toit.

I was most privileged to have had as company Meyer du Toit, our sponsor for the day Ian Norgarb of the Pro Shop in George, as well as the co-ordinator of the Old Mutual International Pairs, a Gauteng Nomad, Paul Adams. Thank you guys very much for the wonderfully entertaining and amusing day on the Jack Nicklaus creation, with all the strategic bunkers, Paul.

Many comments were heard about the greens. Unfortunately, as Meyer reported, there had been a small accident on the greens, which is being attended to. The speed of the greens, however, was satisfactory to good. Meyer and Simola, once again thank you so very much for the wonderful hospitality that you always show us as Nomads. I am really looking forward to visiting again in June with the Andrew Mentis Weekend.

To Old Mutual, and to Paul Adams, the owner and co-ordinator of the OMIP, thank you very much for the wonderful competition and opportunity to partake in this great tournament. Congratulations to the three pairs who qualified for the Regional Finals in Port Elizabeth on 9 August 2009. Please remember to ensure that your scores for yesterday are entered in the system, as checks will be carried out and failure to enter your scores could lead to disqualification in the further rounds.

It was very pleasing to see a number of visitors who had been invited to partake. What dismayed me, however, was the amount of visitors who were not correctly dressed for prize giving. Remember Nomads, your visitor can be equated to your caddy in a round of golf, and you are responsible for all the actions of your caddy. So, next time you invite someone to attend a Nomads day, ensure that they are correctly attired for the game and for prize giving, or you will be fined.

Nationals is approaching very quickly. Only 25 days from today before some of us arrive in Durbs, clubs N’all, for what promises to be another good Nationals. All Nationals players, kindly ensure that you place any and all orders for clothing by no later than Friday 27 March 2009 with Costas Polydorou, as he will need to have the embroidery done etc. Also, all members of the Nationals team are to meet on 5 April in George after the Kingswood game. You will be informed of the venue.

Gentlemen, part and parcel of the whole Nomadic experience is also attending prize giving, and for several reasons. The most important reason is to show respect and appreciation to our sponsors, without whom we will not be able to present such affordable games at these wonderful venues that we are privileged to enjoy. Also, to show respect and appreciation to our host Club. We are extremely privileged to be able to play at these wonderful facilities for the very good prices that we enjoy and the host Clubs would also like to see us enjoying their facilities in return. Your attendance at prize giving is testimony to your appreciation of the host Club. Our Pink Ladies are so wonderful and professional and are always ready with the prize sheets within 15 minutes of the last players having handed in their cards, and most often well within this time. They always greet you with the cheeriest and most beautiful of smiles, and are there well before the first player arrives. Show your appreciation for your lovely Pink Ladies also, by staying for prize giving. Finally, I believe that we should honour the winners on the day by staying for prize giving. Why are there so many of our members who only stay for prize giving if they are in the prizes? I find this totally unacceptable. You know who you are gentlemen, please curtail this trend of your and stay for all prize giving.

We are hoping to have all the information and entry forms for the Andrew Mentis Weekend available for the Kingswood game. Start organising your 4-balls now already. The fields will be limited and there is substantial interest from the rest of the Clubs. Entry will be on a first come-first serve basis, i.e. first pay, first play.

Tannah is looking for more players to attend the Southern Challenge, which coincides with Southern Natal’s 25^th Anniversary Celebrations. We are celebrating our 25^th Anniversary next year and would like to see many visitors attending our celebrations. Come on guys, we cannot expect others to support us if we don’t support them! 

I am looking forward to seeing a full field at Kingswood on 5 April. Thanks to John Richards and Joe van Wyk who have negotiated the following prices for the game:

R250-00 with a cart

R190-00 if you take your own cart

R160-00 if you walk.

Kindly indicate your preference to Berti when booking for your game.

Remember guys, enter your scores in the system to avoid any embarrassment for all of us, as we as a Committee are monitoring your handicaps.

See you at Kingswood.

Mark Ward Able

Captain’s Report February 2009

What a lovely day to spend playing golf on one of our premier courses, Oubaai, which was in immaculate condition!

I was honoured to have hosted the captain of Oubaai, Anton Nel, who played great golf. He and I had to give Mike Miller and Harry Scriven, the representative from Loerie Toyota, our sponsors of the day, 31 shots. We still managed to take the opposition apart, and had poor Mike wishing that there were no more bunkers on the course, as Anton and myself must have had about 10 sandies between us! I really enjoyed my day and my thanks to my 4-ball for the wonderful friendship.

To Harry Scriven, thank you and please pass on our greatest appreciation to Christo de Klerk and Loerie Toyota for the, as usual, fantastic prize table. We are truly indebted to our sponsors. Thank you very much.

My congratulations to all the prize winners of the day. Well played and enjoy your new handicaps.

I was very pleased to be able to bring the new diaries along for distribution. I am of the opinion that a fantastic job of work has been done with the diaries. Our great thanks to Ken Walker for all his hard work in this regard.

Next month our game is at Simola, where we will also play our Old Mutual International Pairs game. I am looking forward to hosting Paul Adams, the co-ordinator of OMIP, who will also be my partner for the day. Please ensure that you enter and inform Berti or john Richards who your partner is.

John Richards has also added on some features to our website which will enable each Nomad to keep abreast of his progress/regress during the course of the year. John, my gratitude to you for all your dedication and hard work that you put in behind the scenes.

To our fines master, Gavin Williams, a big thank you for a session very well done. You must not now rest on your laurels, as you could have a new career ahead of you. Thank you for your willingness and your entertaining session.

Berti, to you and your team of wonderful Ladies, what can I say that hasn’t been said before? Nothing. You Ladies are absolute stars. Thank each and every one of you for the great work that you do. You make our lives so easy and pleasant for us. I so look forward to booking in at each game just to see the lovely smiles from all of you. Keep it up and thank you again.

There are several of our fellow Nomads who are under treatment. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts, as I have it on good authority that they feel the good thoughts and prayers carrying them along. “….For I am involved in mankind.”

I am looking forward to seeing a full field of Nomads at Simola.

Captain’s Report: January 2009

What a magnificent day we enjoyed at Mossel Bay Golf Club for our first game of 2009. I, personally, have never seen the golf course looking better!

Once again, the staff welcomed us with open arms. They always make us as Nomads feel so welcome, as is we are coming home, and always ask us to play more games there in a year!! I had, as always the best caddy in the world, FN. Thank you for your advice and see you at Oubaai next month.

I had the great privilege of playing with the captain of Mossel Bay Golf Club, Peter Fielies, as well as Pottie van Aardt, of Timber City, our sponsors for the day, along with a childhood friend, Tim Proctor. I only have one complaint, and I want to take this up with our fines master for February, and that is after Peter and I paid our bets, our opponents refused to buy us a Johnnie Black!

The prize table was, as is usual, absolutely fantastic. I wonder if this has an effect on the scoring. To Timber City, a very great thank you for the wonderful sponsorship that we receive year in and year out and long may our association continue.

I wonder if a record was set with the winning Divisional scores? A Division= 43 points, B Division= 42 points and C division= 42 points! Well done, gentlemen, that is absolutely fantastic scoring.

We were privileged to have 4 visiting Nomads, as well as 4 visitors. Two of our visitors arrived all the way from Beaufort West, and have completed Application Forms. I think that it would be good for Jan Griesel to have company on the road, as he travels from Beaufort West every month! Jan, your dedication to Nomads is really appreciated. But what a small world. One of the visitors from Beaufort West is an ex colleague of mine, and we played against each other in the Police national Golf Championships! 

I also had the pleasure and privilege of inducting David McIlvenna and, at last, Sandra Meyer, one of our beautiful Pink Ladies, both of them from Knysna. Congratulations to the pair of you and may your association with this magnificent Club of ours be long and enjoyable.

Stan “Short Fall” Fry announced the accommodation arrangements and costs for the Southern Challenge, to be held in Southern Natal over the weekend of their 25^th Anniversary celebrations. Stan has booked accommodation for 30 players. Let us make this a trip to remember and descend upon Southern Natal with a large contingent to, not only support them with their celebrations, but also to bring back home OUR trophy!

I am looking forward to leading this years Nationals team to Durban. I wonder if my caddy will be allowed to accompany me? With the team that we have assembled, I am convinced that we will make a very solid showing. Wouldn’t it be great to take on the sharks with our PINK colours?

I was suitably impressed with the attendance at prize giving and thank all of you who stayed. I would like all Nomads to be reminded that attendance at prize giving is expected of you as a Nomad. We are reliant on the sponsorship that we so generously receive from our many sponsors, without whom your playing fees would be considerably inflated. Your attendance at prize giving is considered a token of appreciation to our sponsors, as well as being just plain good manners towards your playing partners of the day and to our great Club. Our Pink Ladies are always ready for prize giving shortly after the last players have submitted their cards, so nobody has any real excuse for citing delays. After all, our members who travel the farthest, Jan Griesel from Beaufort West and our contingent from Stilbaai are always at prize giving, so why can’t our members from the central towns also stay? Just a question I would like you all to ask yourselves. Also, the camaraderie and esprit de corps that is built up from good attendances at prize giving’s is fantastic.

Looking forward to seeing a full field at Oubaai on 22 February 2009.

CAPTAINS REPORT

MOSSELBAY GOLF CLUB

16^TH NOVEMBER 2008

Howzit All

This is my last captains report for the year of 2008, as of next month your new captain Mark “ Wobbly” Ward Able will be taking over.

I had the privilege of playing golf with the president of Mosselbay Golf Club, Elwee Van Der Merwe, Anton Izaakse Snr and David Mcllvena one of our waitlisted players. Elwie and myself collected the full house bet from our opponents. The game was played in brilliant sunshine condition. Elwie thanks for the use of your course and facilities. A big thumbs up to you and your Greens keeping staff for a course that is in excellent condition.

To our sponsors of the day Andre Van Den Heever of Tor Construction thank you for a wonderful day and a brilliant prize giving table. The refreshments at the short hole was greatly appreciated by one and all. Thank you once again.

The healthy state of our club was once again demonstrated by having three nominations for the position of Vice Captain namely Arthur Ambrose, Tjoepie Pretorius and Jacque Matthee. A vote was held and the elected vice captain is Arthur Ambrose. The position of Junior Vice Captain was contested by the following fellow Nomads, Jacque Matthew, Tjoepie Pretorius and Steve Twaycross. The eventual winner is Steve Twycross of Knysna

Captain Mark Ward- Able’s committee was announced as follow:

Vice Captain:                                                                Arthur Ambrose

Junior Vice Captain:                                                      Steve Twaycross

Immediate Past Captain/Media Liason:              Les Marais

Secretary:                                                                     Austin Graves

Match Secretary:                                                          Berti Harris

Treasurer:                                                                     John Richards

Membership/Protocol:                                                  Flats Huisamen

Equipment:                                                                   Jacques Matthee

Pro/Sponsorship:                                                          Terry Dimatellis

Away Games/Golforama:                                              Tannah Harris

Club Liason Officer:                                                      Joe Van Wyk

I want to once again take this oppurtunity in thanking all my fellow Nomads for your support and camaraderie throughout my term of JVC, V/C and finally Captain. It was a special period of my life and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

Your Captain

Les Marais

CAPTAINS REPORT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MOSSELBAY GOLF CLUB 16^TH NOVEMBER 2008

Welcome to our 23^rd annual general meeting.

For whom the bell tolled

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of Dale Strode, Barbara Hargreaves.

General

I would like to take this oppurtunity in thanking John Richards for nominating me into the position of JVC way back then and special thanks to all of you for accepting me as your JVC, V/C and finally Captain. The last 3 years has been a great period of my life and I will cherish it for a long time to come.

I believe the spirit and camaraderie of Nomads lives on and I want to thank you all for making my year as captain a memorable one.

Membership

Our membership at present appears to be a happy bunch of guys who enjoy each other’s company and camaraderie. The older members enjoy the young Turks antics and it reminds them of years gone by. The young members look up to the older members and say I want to be a member like him when I get older.

Our current membership stats are as follows:

Ordinary                       109 of which there are 5 founder members

Associate                       26 of which there are 4 founder members

Sponsor                         12

Honorary                          6

Non-Active                      4

                                    156

I have inducted 13 new members and one transferie from Botswana. There have been four resignations and 9 waitlisted players.

Finances

Our finances are in a healthy state thanks to our past captain John Richards and of course to our local sponsors. Without your dedicated support our players would not be playing for such wonderful prizes as seen at every monthly game.

My Committee

Having four past captains on my committee has made my year as your captain a breeze and a most enjoyable experience.

Pink Ladies

To our dedicated Pink Ladies what more can I say. A job well done at times under trying conditions, no electricity, sitting outside in the wind and so forth. You all have handled your jobs extremely well and with a smile to us grumpy old men.

Past Captain/Finances John Richards

Thanks once again for the nomination and support during the year. Our finances are in a healthy state due to your tight hold on the purse strings. I must say you set high standards which was a challenge to meet over the years.

Vice Captain Mark Ward-Able

Your fund raising efforts did not go unnoticed and the Andrew Mentis fundraiser was a huge success. Your donations of R85 000.00 to Jagersbosch is a testament to your dedication and hard work. Thanks to all of you for helping Mark achieve his goals.

Junior Vice Captain Gerry Ham/ Arthur Ambrose

Gerry Ham thanks for your short time at being JVC circumstances beyond your control have not allowed you to complete your year as JVC. To Arthur Ambrose you were sent in to bat on a very difficult wicket. The Seaboard Trophy was well handled considering the short space of time at hand. Your efforts have been appreciated. All past captains know that this is the hardest part of coming through the ranks.

Secretary Austin Graves

281 Minutes typed that must be a record. Austin thanks for your dedication and assistance given to me at our meetings. We have shortened the meetings by an hour but we still get home at our usual time.

Membership and Protocol Flats Huisamen

You have handled this position with dedication and sensitivity beyond words. Thanks for a job well done.

Golforama and Away Tours Tannah Harris

This is a position that nobody wants, all the hours of begging, pleading for assistance has really made you look older than what you should be. Thanks for a job well done in fulfilling our requirements at Golforama and our away tours.

Equipment Jacques Matthee

Under trying conditions you have done a great job. You have given John gray hairs with your expenditures. The altar is always up timeously and your sales have been excellent. Your modern way of thinking has been an eye opener. Well done on a job well handled.

Sponsorship and PRO Terry Dimatellis

I thought that last year was a brilliant year with regards to our prize giving tables and the PRO work done. This year you have exceeded all my expectations. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your dedication and hard work done in making our prize giving table one of the best if not the best in the country.

Match Secretary Berti Harris

Having done Seaboard and Andrew Mentis in the past I know what it feels like to change players here and there due to cancellations and so forth. You have to do it 12 times per year, now I know why your hair is so white. You have handled this position with dedication and the friendliest manner. Well done and thanks for your time and dedication.

Members

Without you our members we as the committee would have nothing to do. I want to thank you all for your camaraderie and your dedication to the cause. You are a wonderful bunch of guys and you have made my year as captain an experience I will not forget.

To Mark and his incoming committee all the best for next year and Nomads give him the support you have given me. 

In the absence of my wife and children I want to thank them for all the help and support through the year.

May your balls be long and true and your puts find the bottom of the cup.

Les Marais

Captain

Southern Cape Nomads

MONTHLY GAME OCTOBER

OUBAAI GOLF ESTATE

Howzit All

What a brilliant day we had on Sunday at Oubaai Golf Estate. The weather on Saturday was a real shocker with plenty of white horses in the ocean and rivers. Having a look at the weather on weather 24.com on Friday it was predicted to be even worse. We arrived at Oubaai to be greeted by a glorious and well-organized day.

I had the privilege of having the representative of Oubaai Nico Truter in the fourball. He was partnered by Michael Self. My partner for day was Dup Dupisanie. Dup and I cleared up and collected on the day. I want to take this oppurtunity in thanking Oubaai for the use of the course and facilities on the day. I must however point out that due to no fault of Oubaai, I showered in ice-cold water.

Our sponsor for the day Tekkie Town, was represented by Michael Brown. I want to thank them for a brilliant prize giving table and there continued support in the years to come, most appreciated. I believe the prize winners are very happy with the goods received.

To our National sponsors we thank you for your continued support.

Whilst I am on the thanking you trend. A big thumps up to our pink ladies for a job well done under trying conditions, no electricity. To our visiting Nomads I thank you for your visit and hope you had a memorable day with us.

Congratulations on all the prize winners being either your ability to play golf or your lucky streak. I am sure that you will enjoy your prizes received from our sponsor Tekkie Town. Once again a big thumbs up for Tekkie Town.

Our next game will be at Mosselbay on the 16^th November. Don’t forget that this is also our AGM. Your attendance will be appreciated.

Cheers

Les Marais

MONTHLY GAME SEPTEMBER 

KINGSWOOD GOLF ESTATE 

We attended at Kingswood Golf Estate to play our inaugural game there on a brilliant Sunday morning afternoon. Our sponsors of the day was Loerie Toyota. I had the honor and privilege of playing with                         in absence of Christo De Klerk the dealer principal. My partner for the day was Reinard Killian of Kingswood.

 We had our usual merry bunch of golfers with a sprinkling of visitors who enjoyed the new course to our list of have to play courses. The greens are in immaculate condition as well as the fairways considering it is still a very young course. The only drawback encountered by the players were the style of bunkers.

 The prize giving was very well attended considering the small size of the temporary clubhouse. I wonder why. The catering and bar prices were reasonable and service was great. I want to thank Kingswood Golf Estate for the use of the course and their facilities and Loerie Toyota for a brilliant prize-giving table.

 The scores encountered on the day would indicate that the course was set up very easy. We will have to look at this in the future. Well done to all the winners.

 We had the pleasure of handing over a brass Nomads Bell to Val Holland, Director of Golf, as well as 2000 practice golf balls for her development golf side. The bell has been mounted in the bar for all to see and use. It has already been used to attract the barman’s attention

 Okay okay let me blow my own horn. We got to the Par 3 11^th hole and had to wait because the four ball ahead did not make use of the call up rule. We were having our usual banter and calculating distance checking on wind direction and strength. Taking into consideration flag position, down hill green and so forth.

 The fourball ahead completed the hole and were standing on the tee box when I walked to my golf bag plucked a six-iron from out of it. Placed the ball on the T and stood back to admire my handiwork. Lined up the feet and slowly drew back the club to complete the back swing. Then shut my eyes and dondered the ball. Opened the eyes and noted the flight of the ball towards the green and said to myself, as per every short hole played, “get in get in”. The ball reached the green and on the first bounce checked and started rolling towards the flag. The ball disappeared and we were not 100% sure it had gone in. The four ball ahead did not shout or anything. We thought the ball had come to rest behind the flag. We approached the green and realised the ball was in the hole. I grabbed the back of my pants to check if the wallet was in the pocket. The round made a huge dent in it.

 In conclusion a great day was had by all. Our next game will be at Oubaai on the 26^th October 2008 see you all there.

 Leslie Marais

Southern Cape Nomads

ANDREW MENTIS WEEKEND

13-15 JUNE 2008 

The 3^rd Andrew Mentis Weekend kicked off in brilliant weather conditions with the field split between Pezula and Simola with the players swapping courses the following day. I must congratulate Mark Ward-Able and his committee on a smoothly run tournament, which was enjoyed by all. We had visiting Nomads from far a field as Northerns, Gauteng, Western Province,  Border, Eastern Province and a four ball from Zimbabwe.

Our monthly game was played at the Parkland Course of Knysna and a field of approximately 158 players defied the nagging wives and enjoyed father’s day in perfect golf conditions on the Parkland Course. The golf course is in perfect conditions and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking the Knysna Golf Club, committee and members for allowing us the privilege of using there course for the day.

I had the privilege of playing with Flip Uys a Knysna local, captain was unable to play due to his father being involved in a vehicle accident, Elie Sopas and Pieter Meyer co- sponsor of the day.

A great day was had by all.

Our sponsors for the day were Pieter Meyer Vodashop Knysna and Jacque Matthee, Selby’s Bakery. The prize giving table was of exceptional quality and was the envy of the other Provinces and players. Thanks again for the great sponsorship.

I want you to be upstanding whilst you carry on reading this. To our Pink Ladies, some who were up at 05h00 to prepare for the long day ahead, greeted all and Sundry with a smile and joke knowing what lay ahead. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work done in setting up the SOP System. Getting the cards printed and sorting out prize giving well within time limits. Thank you once again

I had the privilege and honour of inducting two new members on the day Ferdie De Lange and Ruan Ferreira of Golf Connection,  a new monthly game sponsor. I trust that you will enjoy the Nomads fellowship and may your membership be a healthy and fruitful one. Dennis Burns  (DB) was awarded his 200 game badge, congratulations on reaching another milestone DB. A five-year tie was awarded to Tjoepie Pretorius, one of our local sponsors, congratulations on one milestone reached hope to see you get many more.

Pierre Smuts a past captain and long standing Nomad is leaving our shores to take up residence in London for a period of six months or so. Enjoy your extended stay.

Our next game will be on the 20^th July at Pinnacle Point. Enter early to avoid disappointment-limited field

MAY WEEKEND

SOUTHERN CHALLENGE/GEORGE 

Howzit all

We had the honour and privilege of hosting the Southern Natal Nomads Contingents of 44 players for the annual Southern Challenge. We were hosted by Kingswood Golf Estate, Simola Golf and Country Estate, and George Golf Club.

The band of Merrymen kicked off the three-day festivities by playing the newly opened Kingswood Golf Estate on Thursday in brilliant weather conditions. The course presented itself in excellent condition with lightning fast greens and high walled bunkers. On the first day, as per usual, the bar was well supported by the visitors as well as the locals knowing that this was a spirit and not a stayer’s tournament.

Prize giving was sponsored by Ruan Ferreira of Golf Connection, the biggest Golf Store in the Southern Cape. We would like to thank Reinard Killian of Kingswood for all his assistance on the day.

Results

1. Costas Polydorou S/C          Alan Booth S/W                                   47 Points

2. PJ Gronum S/C                     Andre Zeelie S/C                                  43 Points

3. George Henderson S/N        Chris Edwards SC                                42 Points

4. Fred Van Zyl S/N                           Rudi Botha F/S                         41 Points

On Saturday we traveled to Knysna and upon arrival we were dumb struck by the awesome new clubhouse and perfectly conditioned layout of the Jack Nicholas designed course. The weather gods once again were very accommodating in giving us another fine day in paradise. On all the Southern Natal Players lips and minds was the impending super 14 clash that night.

The sponsors of the day were Rieco Van De Linde of Bogeyman Golf. A great thanks to the “COACH” and Meyer Du Toit of Simola for looking after our needs and the use of the course.

Results

1Vinesh Naidoo                       Keenan Reddy                                     41 Points

2.Andy Wilson                         Braam Van Huyssteen                          40 Points

3John Beekman                        Graham Williams                                  39 Points

NEAREST TO THE PINS 

Hole No 6                                            Ian Stewart

Hole No 11                                          Ian Stewart

Hole No 14                                          Boet Gericke

Hole No 17                                          T Esterhuizen

Prize giving was a hastily affair as the Sharks game was to start. The Sharks won the match and needless to say the Southern Natalers started sprinting faster. The bus trip back was quiet to start off with, a bottle of the Sponsors Brew, Bells, was opened and this really livened up the trip back to George

On Sunday the day of the Southern Challenge, the boys from the East were not feeling well after the previous nights celebrations. Play started at 08h00 and continued throughout the day. Berg Wind conditions did not help the BABALAS victims.

I had the privilege of playing golf with Jonathan Monk the George Golf Club Captain, John Beekman Southern Natal away games co-coordinator and Smiley Cronje of Southern Cape. A great game was had by all. I wish to take this opportunity in thanking all George Golf Clubs Members, Management and staff for all the work done in making our day a pleasurable experience.

Prize giving was sponsored by Tjoepie Pretorius of Tjoepie Pretorius Motors, the agents for the Chana Franchise in the Southern Cape. He also sells good quality pre-owned vehicles. We urge all members in the market for a pre-owned vehicle to give Tjoepie a ring at Tjoepie Pretorius Motors and he will hook you up with a quality pre-owned vehicle.

We had three visitors other than the Southern Natalers Namely Ian Ridgeway, Johnny Myburgh and Rudi Botha. Gentleman I hope your enjoyed the local camaraderie and Southern Challenge.

We inducted two new members on the day namely Ashley Wagner and Rieco Van De Linde. Welcome to Nomads and we trust you will have a wonderful Nomadic Experience.

The Pink Ladies What can I say: A JOB WELL DONE, ONCE AGAIN. Three cheers to you all.

Prior to prize giving a special general meeting was held for the election of JVC as Gerry Ham resigned due to personal reasons. The new elected JVC is Arthur Ambrose.

Last but not least: The winners of the Southern Challenge are the Host Club SOUTHERN CAPE.

Our next monthly meeting will be held at Knysna Sunday the 15^th June 2008. This being part of the Andrew Mentis Weekend

Goose Valley - April 2008 

Howzit All

Herewith my report for the April Game played at Goose Valley under very trying conditions. I had the privilege of playing Golf with Cliffie Barnard one of our local sponsors. Our opponents for the day were the sponsors, Lynn Schroeder BMW, representative Hiron Snell, and Dannie De Wet a Southern Cape Nomad of 19 odd years. Thanks for the game and brilliant prize giving table.

Even though the game was delayed by more than 30 minutes we still managed to get wet on the T Box of the third hole and thereafter we had pleasant sunshine for the rest of the day. The course drained well considering the amount of rain we had.

We had two visiting Nomads namely Philip Chamberlain and Mike Carr, the co-coordinator of the Old Mutual International pairs, which was played on the day. Our winners John Richards and partner Don Van Niekerk with Anthony Grobler and Thys Cronje as runners up, will be traveling to the regional finals in PE. We would like to thank Old Mutual for the opportunity in playing in this prestigious competition.

In the absence of the clubs representative we take this opportunity in thanking them for the use of the course. The third hole pin placement reminded us of the Pin Placements at Pezula for our Andrew Mentis day last year. I had nothing to do with this.

Our Pink Ladies once again did an outstanding job with June Atterbury not only working the tables but also doing the Fines Masters/Mistresses job for the evening. Thanks again one and all for your dedication. I would like to thank our starters Mike, Ricky and Dave for a job well done.

Our prize giving attendance waned a little but we subscribe this to the delayed start and distances that needed to be traveled by some of the players.

Our next game is the Southern Challenge. We will be hosting our visitors at Kingswood Golf Club on Friday 16^th May. We then travel to Simola for our Saturday Game with the challenge being played at the George Golf Club. Southern Natal, great travelers, will be bringing 45 of there best to try and retain the Trophy. By hook or by crook the Trophy will be staying in Southern Cape, even if we have to kidnap the Cane Rat and give him a work over once again. The challenge is on. To my players we will need to bring our A game for the Sunday.

See you all on Friday Saturday and Sunday for the challenge.

KNYSNA GAME - MARCH 2008

HOWZIT HOWZIT. Another great day had in Paradise. We played at the Parkland Course of Knysna in near Perfect Conditions the only minor flaw was the Hollow Timed Greens however after discussing it with Andre Van Oudtshoorn, the club Captain of Knysna Golf Club, he brought it to our attention that the course was being prepaired for the Southern Cape Closed as well as the Mixed Pairs. We have forgiven you Andre and Knysna Golf Club.

 I had the privilege of playing golf with Andre and one of our local sponsors Eben Vermeulen, KWV Brandy and Ashley Wagner a Waitlisted Player. A great time was had by all, although our scores do not reflect this. We just managed to scrape through and beat the worst playing score on a count out.

 We thank Knysna Golf Course for the privilege of using their facilities even though there was no hot water due to maintenance being done by the Knysna Municipality Electrical Department. By the end of the evening the beers were starting to get warm.

Once again a great many thanks to the Pink Ladies who had to prepare the price sheet manually. Prize giving got started slightly later than the normal half hour. The Andrew Mentis Hamper was once again sponsored by Checkers, the following Nomads received tie awards Anton Izaakse SNR,Neels Els and the 40 pointers from the Mosselbay Game received there Silver Trays. Well-done Gentleman. To the players and guests who stayed for prize giving, showering in cold water, thanks a lot you made prize giving a pleasure.

To the Gladiators attending Nationals in Bloemfontein, early to bed, this could mean early in the morning, we have improve on last year’s position of 7^th. Don’t forget you only need on average 30 points per day, which will give you a total of 120 points for the Tournament. I am speaking under correction but I think Gerry Ham had 126 points to be leader of the Southern Cape and to not far behind the overall winner. Go out there and have a ball, Break a Leg, and all the other good wishes. Lets come back with the Bert Hunt Trophy.

Our next monthly game will be held on the 20^th April at Goose Valley. Drive in a lift club and stay for prize giving you will not be disappointed.

Captains February Report

Mosselbay Golf Club

It is my pleasure to report back on a wonderful day had by fellow Nomads, visitor’s sponsors and Mosselbay Captain, Pieter Fillies. Mosselbay is in an exellent condition, hats of to the green keeper and his staff. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking Mosselbay for the use of their course. Peter Fillies, thanks for the wonderful commanderie and assistance in beating our opponents, full house. Whilst on the course we were privileged to witness the birth of two springboks, nature at its best. The weather was the best we have had in a long time. Three 41 pointers were made even though we played of the back markers.

I would like to thank Graham Robb, fellow Nomad, of Timber city Mosselbay for a wonderful day on the course, sorry you and your partner Johnny Giles lost on the day, and a magnificent prize table greatly appreciated by all at prize giving.

We had 8 visitors who were invited to play on the day. We trust you had a wonderful day and I look forward to inducting you in the future as full Nomads. Namely Floris Van Jaarsveld, Gary Canzaloti, Johan Gerber, Tommy Crinion, Peet Du Preez, Ferdie De Lange, Deon Du Plessis and Terry Sparks.

I had the pleasure of inducting 3 Nomads into the fold namely, Colin Goss,  Eben Vermeulen (KWV Sponsor) and Koos Van Der Merwe (Sponsor): Welcome to the Nomads fraternity and keep up the spirits.

The following members received awards, Michael Self (10 Years) and Bennie Raubenheimer 20 years well done Gentleman as Michael Self’s son said, loosely translated “Its hard to be a Nomad”.

To our pink ladies of the day. Hats of to you on a job well done. Prize giving within half and hour after the last fourball submitted there cards. That with one of the closest to the pin markers left on the course. To my fines master Dave Meyer, job well done.

Gentleman, these at prize giving I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is clearly evident that with more of you staying for prize giving the “Geez” is improving ten fold and this equates to great commanderie and well being within the club. Thanks once again.

Our next game will be played at Knysna on the 2^nd March 2008. See you all there and at prize giving.

Yours in Golf

Les Marais

Southern Cape Nomads

21 January 2008

Regarding: Monthly Game Report

 On our approach to Plettenbergbay Bay Golf Club we had a few minor showers that were not supposed to be there as the infamous Weather Bureau indicated sunny skies. Although the game was played under cloudy skies it was hot and humid.

 I had the privilege of playing with the Captain, Rodney Gray of Plettenbergbay Country Club who advised that parts of the course were totally under water, with resultant damages to 3 bridges caused by the floods that ravaged the Southern Cape in November. With the use of staff and caddies the course was made playable and open within nine days for start of  the festive season. Our hats of the staff and helpers.

 Southern Cape Nomads would like to thank Plett Country Club for the use of the facilities and friendly staff for making our visit a memorable one.

 To our sponsors, what can I say? A magnificent prize table was enjoyed by all. We had a joint sponsorship for this game and I would like to thank Nic Galic, Melville Spar, and Cliffie Banard for their sponsorship.

 Checkers once again came to the party with a huge hamper for the Andrew Mentis Draw which was won by June Atterbury one of our pink ladies. To our pink ladies thanks for the smooth running of the day and congrats in getting the prize sheet out timeously WELL DONE.

 We had a field of 75 players of which 4 were visitors and one visiting Nomad from Easterns Mr. Tony Varrie. We thank all these players who stayed for prize giving. We believe you enjoyed the occasion.

 On a sad note we said farewell to one of our past Captains and long time member who has passed on. The Creed was read by his long time friend Johnny Giles. To the Strode family our sincere condolences.

 Our next game will be at the Mosselbay Golf Course on 17 February 2008 see you all there. Get your Gary Player and Old Mutual Playing pairs in so that we can have fun times in the following months.

 To our Sponsorships Guru, Terry Dimeterris Happy Birthday and the players take this opportunity in thanking you for ringing the bell. Cheers have a GOOD ONE.

NOMADS GOLF CLUB SOUTHERN CAPE

CAPTAINS REPORT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MOSSEL BAY GOLF CLUB 11^th NOVEMBER 2007

Welcome to our Annual General Meeting for the year, 2007.

 For Whom the Bell Tolled

It is with deep regret to record the passing of Jim Gittins, a fairly new nomad, and Phil Halford, captain 1997.

 General

 I would like to thank Jeff Clause and Ken Haldane, who unknown to them, instilled the nomad spirit in me. I was at the point of resigning from nomads when S/Cape reached a crisis point, and I accepted the challenge of going through the ranks and finally becoming captain of this great organization. It has been an honor and a pleasure to have served as captain of southern cape.

 Our camaraderie and spirit is still good, and can report that our standards are set fairly high.

We had the pleasure of hosting our National Chairman, Glen Dalton at our Seaboard weekend.

 A highlight for me during the year was that we have been able to assist the development of golf in the southern cape. R9000 was spent on golf equipment for Val Holland’s development program at Kingswood, and R7000 given to the George Golf Club for their development program. To raise these funds can only be from the good support of our members during the year.

 MEMBERSHIP

Full                  118

Associate           20

Honorary            4

Sponsor              9

Inactive              2

Total               153

 We have 5 wait listed applications.

We inducted 13 New Members this year.

FINANCE

 Our finances remain healthy. Thanks to our local sponsors for their generous support during the year.

 COMMITTEE and HELPERS

 We have had a strong and dedicated committee this year, and thanks to them, I have been able to cherish my year.

 PINK LADIES

 My first thanks to the dedicated ladies who give up their whole day to assist us. Even though we sometimes act like 60 year old teenagers, we still get a smile from you. To Berti, June, Sandra and Helen, you were great.

 PAST CAPTAIN - Joe van Wyk

 Thanks for the guidance and support during the year. You also filled in for me at Botswana.

 VICE CAPTAIN - Les Marais

 Thanks for keeping our Andrew Mentis fundraiser at a high level. The organization and work done by you is appreciated and the R80000 issued to the various charities reflects on your success. I wish you well for role as captain next year, and hope that it is as good for you as it was for me.

 JUNIOR VICE CAPTAIN - Mark Ward-Able

 The S/Cape JVC’s are thrown into the deep end every year, and are expected to co-ordinate the Seaboard Trophy. This tournament is only second to our nationals, and to have made it a success proves your ability for the years ahead. As all our past captains will agree, our JVC year was the hardest. It did not end here, and thanks for organizing the GPKO, Boland Challenge and the SAJGF days. Your commitment proves that next year you will perform your Vice Captain duties with honors.

 SECRETARY – Austin Graves

 You have now typed 268 minutes for the club. I think this spells out your dedication to the organization. Thanks for the support.

 MEMBERSHIP & PROTOCOL – Flats Huisamen

 It has been a pleasure to have a past captain handling this difficult and sensitive portfolio. It gets better every year, and I am confident that we will soon have a membership of truly devoted nomads. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

 GOLFORAMA & AWAY TOURS – Tannah Harris

 He used to 3 pairs of glasses, and now he has added a collection of phones to this. Tannah, thanks for the many frustrating hours spent on the telephone waves in getting guys to help with scoring & marshalling duties, and for hustling the away tours.

 EQUIPMENT – Gerry Ham

 What can I say other than that “Pinky” is always delivered on time, and the alter is always up. Thanks for your dedication as I understand the frustrations of the job.

 SPONSORSHIP & PRO - Terry Dimatellis

 We always seem to find someone who takes this portfolio to a new level. Terry, I do not think it can go much higher. You have expanded our local sponsorship dramatically. For the guys that thank me for their birthday card when I phone them, that was Terry sending them out.

Thanks also to Gerald Anderson for your short input and guidance.

 MATCH SECRETARY – Berti Harris

 I know I have mentioned you before, but this job is the heart of Nomads. Without you we would get nowhere. You are a sister, a mother and a grandmother to us. Thanks.

 To all the members

Thank you for your support during the last three years. I suppose that I have ruffled a few feathers, and if I have, I hope you will understand that it was only for the betterment of Nomads.

It has been an experience and privilege to have served as captain of this club.

I would like to wish Les and his incoming committee all the very best and I will sit in the backseat and be of any assistance that is required.

Also, congratulations to Mark Ward-Able and Gerry Ham on your nominations for Vice-Captain and JVC respectively. Enjoy, and good luck on your challenge.

 Keep swinging away,

 John Richards

Southern Cape Captain 2007