Page 9 - Nationals 2025

MY YEAR AS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN (continued)

06 November 2024 – BOLAND NOMADS CLUB VISIT – SOMERSET WEST GOLF CLUB
I had a candid and productive discussion with the Board Committee and was graciously hosted by
Fred Kieks at the Castle on the Hill. After our meeting, we enjoyed a fantastic steak braai, and Fred
kindly hosted me for the evening. The next day, we played at Somerset West and had a wonderful
time, as always. Thank you, Boland Nomads!

09 November 2024 – SOUTHERN CAPE NOMADS CLUB VISIT – 16 November 2024 – BORDER NOMADS CLUB VISIT –
MOSSEL BAY GOLF CLUB OLIVEWOOD GOLF ESTATE
I decided to drive up to Mossel Bay, where I was hosted by my friend I flew into East London early on Saturday morning to participate in the
and Past Captain, Flats Huisamen, at his "Punt Huisie." It was inaugural Captains Cup—a game between members of the Border
wonderful catching up with him. The next day, we had a breakfast Nomads and the West Bank Golf Club to raise funds for the
meeting with the committee and played at Mossel Bay Golf Club. development of golf in the region. What a fantastic initiative! That
Captain Tjoepie Pretorius was in top form once again, impressing evening, we had a meeting and dinner at the Old Selbornians Club,
everyone with his lively auctioning of unclaimed prizes. and as a bonus, we got to watch the rugby. The next day, we teed off
at Olivewood Golf Club. It was my first time there, and I thoroughly
19 November 2024 – SOUTH AFRICAN DISABLED GOLF enjoyed the experience and the course. After a well-attended prize-
ASSOCIATION GOLF DAY – KING DAVID MOWBRAY GOLF giving, the committee joined us for a braai at my host for the
CLUB weekend, Peter Allam's house.
I had the privilege of joining some members of the NEC and Boland
Nomads in a South African Disabled Golf Association golf game as
their guests. It was truly humbling to witness their appreciation for
Nomads and to receive a standing ovation. It was also heartwarming
to see that all the Nomads who won prizes donated them back,
embodying the true Nomadic spirit!

21 November 2024 – WESTERN PROVINCE NOMADS CLUB VISIT
– BELLVILLE GOLF CLUB

We had a very productive NEC meeting at Cape Town Airport, followed by a dinner and meeting hosted by
the Western Province Nomads. The next day, we played at Bellville Golf Club, which was particularly special
to me as it's where I grew up. It was fantastic to play in a field of 132 players, likely the largest monthly game
field I've participated in for some time. It was also very special to witness Kevern Pappin making a hole in one.
22 November 2024 – FREE STATE NOMADS CLUB VISIT – 02 December 2024 – SOUTHERN NATAL NOMADS CLUB VISIT –
SCHOEMAN PARK GOLF CLUB SOUTHBROOM GOLF CLUB
The Free State is renowned for its hospitality, and they certainly didn't I was graciously accommodated by Ryan Ringo at the Umthunzi Hotel
disappoint. We played a casual round of golf at Bloemfontein on during my stay, which also served as the venue for our committee
Saturday morning, followed by a well-attended meeting and dinner at meeting and dinner. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to
a wonderful venue. We also got to enjoy the rugby, and true to Free understand how different clubs operate and to offer my insights.
State fashion, we were the last to leave. The next day was the Gold Playing the next day at Southbroom in their Gold Cup was a delight—
Cup at Schoeman Park, and it was heartening to see the decorations the course was in superb condition, and the weather was perfect. The
on the tables and the effort put into making the day special. It was prize table looked fantastic, but unfortunately, my fourball ended up
also lovely to see all the families invited for the prize-giving and the as the Altar Bunnies - with 117 points!
spit braai after the game.

07 December 2024 – EASTERN CAPE NOMADS CLUB VISIT – 09 December 2024 – SOUTH AFRICAN GOLF DEVELOPMENT
PORT ELIZABETH GOLF CLUB BOARD GOLF GAME – ROYAL DURBAN GOLF CLUB
My chauffeur for the weekend, Rob Rusteberg, picked me up from the I flew directly from Port Elizabeth to Durban to attend the South
airport and took me to my accommodation at the Two Lions Guest African Golf Development Board event. We were invited to have four
House. After a delightful lunch at the harbour, we returned to the fourballs at the back of the field, which were filled by members from
guest house for a well-attended and enthusiastic committee meeting. Natal and Southern Natal. It was fantastic to see the children in action,
That evening, we enjoyed a dinner with the committee and their showcasing some incredible talent. It was also very fruitful to interact
spouses. Everything was going smoothly until Benji brought out the with members of Golf RSA and discuss matters of mutual importance.
Fire Water! The next day, the Gold Cup game at "the Hill" was
excellently organized and made for a fitting year-end celebration!

This event ended my official visits, but at the time of writing this – with a deadline looming for this magazine – I still had 1 or 2 unofficial visits
which included a visit to Western Province to hand over a 450 game badge to HLM Ken Walker.
Thank you to all Nomads around the world that made my year as National Chairman a most wonderful journey.

Issue 2025 9