If there was nothing to do in June as Captain, July certainly made up for that. It started on 7 July, where I played in the SA Golf Development Board day at Benoni Lake. This was the first national tournament arranged by SAGDB for under 19’s. I played with Billy Bekker (Northerns Captain) and two youngsters, Gift Zulu from Royal Swazi and Franklin Manchest from George. What a great experience to play with these two talented youngsters. I also bumped into Andy Ostle who is still hard at work in arranging these events and teaching the boys manners and etiquette. I can assure all of you that our Furtherance of Golf funds are being well spent. I was also fortunate to be made an offer by Gift to be my caddy at Swaziland. I have his number and will certainly take up his offer and listen to the lines he gives me.

On the 9^th – eight of us made our way to Botswana for their 15^th National Tournament. It was sad to see the club house at Gaborone Golf Club all black and in ruins from the fire in March. Under the circumstances, with a temporary tent structure as the club house, my congratulations to Taff Williams on a well organised tournament. Thanks to those who made the trip from Gauteng and particularly Dawid Ferreira and Terry White who played in their first National event. Although Botswana is becoming expensive (thanks to an ailing Rand) and the quality of the food produced is less than mediocre, the event itself is always worth attending and I urge those who have never been to a Botswana National tournament to support Barry next year.

On to Parkview for our monthly game. Thanks to the Parkview Captain (James Fussell), Stewart Vernon (receiving his five year tie) and Joe de Klerk (for all you do for Gauteng Nomads as well as the snacks at Parkview) for joining me on the day. Congratulations to Derek Cuthbert on his 20 year tie and to John Welsh on receiving his 350 game badge and Roz Lewis-Williams on her 30 year service award. The course was superb with arguably the best greenside bunkers we have seen this year. We had a field of only 116 (our lowest this year) and 20% of which had “paid to go.” Having a look at the statistics, we only had 116 last year at Glenvista in the same month. Must be the weather and time of year as opposed to the course we select. Glenvista is a far cheaper day, with the cost at more than half of Parkview.

An early flight to East London the next morning and bus trip to Fish River Sun for Border’s 40^th anniversary and the 119^th National Management Meeting. What a great venue selected by Tom Cawood and Mark Lindstrom for this anniversary. I always prefer a trip where all the guys stay at the same venue and can interact with one another and there is no need for anybody to be driving. The anniversary was a success and well attended by most of the coastal clubs.

One important thing to come out of the NMM was our allocation for Knysna Nationals. Gauteng will have 39 spots, so I suggest you start giving your names to Mike Payne if you intend entering.

See you at the next game.

Graham Bishop