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At this time of the year the Nomads games come thick and fast, as does my responsibility of writing this article and getting it out in time to go to print. Even though the time between this and my previous article is shorter than usual, the activities have certainly not diminished. Subsequent to my last insert, we travelled to the Lowveld for the annual Quadrangular. It is hard to believe that it was my sixth visit to this event. It has become tradition to travel up on Friday and meet all the players in Nelspruit for welcome drinks, before the competition gets underway. It has also become tradition to stay at the Karula Hotel in White River. It is always a more enjoyable experience when the entire team are staying together. To all the Gauteng Nomads and their spouses who made the trip, I am sure that everybody enjoyed it once again. Unfortunately the result on Saturday at Nelspruit did not go our way, with us finishing fourth, just outside the medals. The Sunday morning we all participated in their monthly game, which comfortably doubled their average playing field. For those who are not aware, the 2017 Nationals will be hosted in the Lowveld, the course however is yet to be decided. Thanks to Mossie for arranging the weekend and to Brian Springorum and my fellow Captain, Neville Blum for all their effort.
Shortly after our return, it was off to Ruimsig for our monthly game. Unfortunately we had a terrible playing field of 98 Nomads, our lowest turnout year to date. That is 22 players less than we had at the same course in same month last year. There is no doubt that with these numbers, we will have to consider an increase in playing fees and/or annual subscriptions. Thanks to my playing fourball, Kevin Strydom (Ruimsig Captain), James Luyt (on receiving his 15 year tie) and Rob Hoar (who travelled up from Port Alfred to receive his 45 year tie). Congratulations to Ken Jacques on his 300 game badge and to Pino Gerin who was there in person for his 100 game badge. I also had the privilege of presenting Roz Lewis-Williams with her 30 year service award to Nomads. Roz has not been well of late and has decided that she is no longer in a position to assist us at our registration table. We all wish her well and on behalf of Gauteng Nomads I would like to thank her for all her assistance over many years.
On Sunday evening 18 October I attended the prize-giving at the annual Gauteng Nomads Inter-Club competition, played at Eagle Canyon. The entire event is sponsored by Gauteng, with the assistance of Central Gauteng Golf Union. Thanks to Andy Truluck from CGGU and our own Eugene Marx, who continue to arrange and run these junior tournaments. On the day there were 14 teams of 8 players from most of the clubs in Gauteng, with Modderfontein having entered three sides. Congratulations to Ruimsig on winning the event and as a result, they will host it next year. The funding for these junior events is derived from our Furtherance of Golf revenue, which in turn we receive for Golforama duties. We urge all Gauteng Nomads to participate in Golforama and to assist Bev by giving up a day or two of your time for the upcoming SA Open and Joburg Open in January. It is great to see that the revenue is being used to promote junior golf in South Africa, which is after all, is one of the main objectives of Nomads.
See you at the next game and post-game function.
Graham Bishop