Page 8 - Nationals 2024

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With three shots less available, it was off to Lowveld on 4 November to join Johan
Janse Van Rensburg and his team at Mbombela Golf Club. Lowveld is the second
Club who also combine their monthly game with their Andrew Mentis day. Lowveld
has been a regular stop for me over the years and thanks to all the familiar faces and
the committee for a very enjoyable weekend - one which again brought in substan-
tial funds for worthy Andrew Mentis beneficiaries. As a result of a ridiculous rule
passed, my 27 points did not yield an extra shot for my next trip.

Another internal Club competition that I had heard a lot about, was the South Easter.
I deliberately ensured that my monthly visit to the Eastern Cape coincided with this
event. Prior to arrival I was kept abreast of a full itinerary put together by Captain,
Brendon McNeill, who went out of his way to make it a memorable trip. From the
minute I arrived to be greeted with a sponsored hire car on 16 November, until I left
on the 20th, they took me around St Francis to experience the canals and restau-
rants. With 29 points in the bag on Sunday, my goal was still alive.
As the playing year comes to an end it means the Gold Cups begin. I chose to visit
my home Club, Gauteng, on 1 December for their Gold Cup. Thanks to Warren
Mitchell and his committee for a very productive session around the boardroom ta-
ble at Randpark and a superb dinner at the Fairway Hotel. One would imagine that playing at not only your home Club but also
your home course, you would shoot lights out – not to be, with a rather disappointing 26.

With an additional stroke now in hand (having played at Gauteng), it was off to Western Province for my official visit at their
Gold Cup on 7 December at Atlantic Beach. Matt Demery and his team did a sterling job with the restaurant selection and
accommodation. It was with trepidation that I teed it up with only 7 points on the board at this challenging and narrow course.
The anxiety increased when I still had 7 points on the 3rd box. Thankfully I managed to accumulate 29 in total. Thanks to Matt
and all the members at Western Province for a fantastic couple of days.
After a couple of holiday rounds over December, it was off to the Free State on 13 January to visit Benny Lindeque and his team
of committed Nomads. In typical Free State style we had
an excellent afternoon at Schoeman Park, followed by
a full house committee dinner in Bloemfontein. I don’t
know what the farmers complain about, but they get
plenty rain in Bloem. Knee high rough and 33 degrees in
the shade and sadly, after 158 games as a Nomad I finally
ended up with my first pink cap and the matchbox on a
rather disappointing 20 points. Nothwitstanding, it was
an enjoyable trip and thanks to Benny and his committee
for arranging everything.
I have enjoyed writing this insert and reliving all the
experiences that I have had over the year, the places seen,
courses played and most importantly – Nomads mem-
bers interacted with. Due to time constraints around
printing, I still, at the time of writing this, have 2 Clubs
to visit (Easterns and Northerns), where I am sure both
Brett Skinner and Pieter Dunwoody, will make it as
enjoyable as the others. Also, due to space constraints, I
have not touched the surface in thanking all those who
played a part in making this year a memorable one.
I would like to thank each and every person that has con-
tributed to my term in a positive way. I would also like to
say a special thanks to my long time friend, Sean Ledden,
for travelling with me and my mate from Free State, Mok
Lazaro, for following through on his promise to be there
with me for all the National tournaments the past year.
Lastly – to my partner, Delia, thanks for the support
throughout the year, without which, this journey would
not have been possible.
GRAHAM BISHOP

National Chairman: The Nomads Golf Club of South
Africa

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