Page 8 - Nationals 2025

MY YEAR AS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN (continued)

31 July 2024 – JOHNNIE WALKER CHALLENGE FINALS – 14 August 2024 – GAUTENG NOMADS CLUB VISITING –
HERMANUS GOLF CLUB ROYAL JOHANNESBURG

I was fortunate to be invited to attend the Johnnie Walker Finals had a wonderful meeting and braai at Nick Du Toit's house, where we
held in Hermanus. Our 12 clubs were represented, along with were able to chat informally about their club. The next day, I enjoyed
representatives from our national sponsors. The opportunity to a great round of golf, playing not only with the Captain, Anton
network informally with both the Nomads and our sponsors was Masterson, but also with the Golf Club's CEO, Jason Bird, who has
invaluable. been a member of four different Nomads Clubs. The following day we
had lunch at the Honey Rock Motel. Obrigado!
4 September 2024 – NATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEETING AND SOUTHERN NATAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY –
SELBORNE GOLF ESTATE
We held our National Management meeting in conjunction with Southern Natal's 40th anniversary celebrations. It was wonderful to see the
interactions between the clubs' Captains, Vice-Captains, and JVCs. A highlight for me was recognizing the founders with an award, and it was
especially meaningful that one of the founders, Wayne Richardson, travelled all the way from Australia.

19 September 2024 - BOTSWANA NOMADS NATIONALS –
GABORONE GOLF CLUB
It was wonderful to return to the Botswana Nationals, with my main goal being not to
win a matchbox this time! Despite the regional droughts, the golf course was in the best
condition I can remember. It was fantastic to see Botswana National Captain, Joe
Machokoto, collect all the prizes on the final night on behalf of Botswana. Winning
everything in your captaincy year is truly special.

27 September 2024 - NOMADS SA BOYS U/13 – KUILSRIVER GOLF
CLUB
I had the honour of attending the Nomads SA Boys U/13 prize-giving
ceremony, where I handed out the prizes and delivered a speech. It
was heartening to witness the wonderful recognition and
appreciation for Nomads and all that we do for the sport once again.

04 October 2024 – LOWVELD NOMADS CLUB VISIT –
MBOMBELA GOLF CLUB
I arrived on Friday, my birthday, and was treated to a wonderful dinner with some of the committee members and Captain Puso. On Saturday,
we played a game at Mbombela, followed by a committee meeting and a braai. It's amazing to see such a small club thriving! Sunday was their
Andrew Mentis Day, and Vice-Captain Hylton Halfpenny pulled out all the stops to make it a fantastic event. To top off the day, I was the lucky
winner of the main prize in the lucky draw and look forward to visiting the Lowveld soon with my wife to enjoy the six-star bush stay.

12 October 2024 – EASTERNS NOMADS CLUB VISIT – EBOTSE GOLF CLUB
I was picked up from the airport by Captain Rob Gordon and taken to his house, where I stayed for the weekend. That afternoon, we had a
productive meeting with the committee followed by a steak braai. The next morning, we headed to Ebotse, where I fondly remember scoring
43 points at Nationals. Unfortunately, my mediocre form persisted this time. I spent the afternoon socializing at the club with old and new
friends and was deposited on the plane that evening, feeling a bit worse for wear.

17 October 2024 – ESWATINI NOMADS NATIONALS – EZULWINI GOLF CLUB
After a few years' absence, it was wonderful to attend the Nationals in Eswatini again. The course was in excellent condition, and the Sibebe
at the iconic Cowboy Bar was as cold as ever. Unfortunately, the hotel is still closed, so we stayed about 5 km away from the course, but this
did not detract from the Nationals at all—well done, Eswatini Nomads! I was very proud to lift the inter-country trophy on behalf of Nomads
South Africa, making it that much more special.

8 Issue 2025