Greetings Nomads,
It is hard to believe that the first quarter of the year has come and gone. We are three game into our playing calendar and in each instance the courses played have showcased their unique beauty in very differ yet superb charm.
I must thank each one of the managers, club captains and ground staff for hosting us during these trying times.
Let us start with Scottburgh. It is difficult enough to get all our members to travel to Scotties to play, and now we had a further lockdown to contend with. To the boys who defied the logic and stilted lockdown regulations well done and thank you for playing the game. We managed a field of 68 of which 59 were members. To Bob Hall. You and your staff outdid yourselves with what can only be described as the best condition and greens we have ever played on. For those who opted for the excuse not to play, you missed something special. It was grossly unjust that we could not contribute and support the pub in our usual manner.
San Lameer in Feb was and probably will always be in sublime condition. I do not think that Pine Pienaar will ever allow this South Coast showpiece to go to the dogs. It was good to see that the Nomads had not lost their thirst- quenching abilities when allowed to do so. The pub was humming with good humour and “Gees” while trying to maintain the social distance thing. We had a field of 77 of which 71 were members. Just goes to show, allow the boys to have a cold one and they will pitch and play, and the first 40 pointer of the year, well done Grant Langley.
Margate in March, yes, a week earlier than normal, but everyone remembered. It was fascinating to see what can be achieved with so little. Curly has a staff of only 3 or 4 workers that maintain, groom and present this golf course to the public and its members. We could not have asked for more, except maybe none or a wee bit less wind. We had a field of 80 players of which 75 were members. Again, the pub was open and well you can guess the rest. What happened to the Gin-Jar experience I ask? The only thing missing, I think. Once again, we had a 40 pointer, this time to our past captain Ian Stewart, well done bud.
If too date you have had a bad game or two, try this for size, Curly had to play off a handicap of -9. Time to smile and be thankful the golfing gods are on your side some of the time.
We also ventured to Matat for the Matatiele Challenge in Feb and despite some car trouble for Ryan Keys and yours truly we managed to get to the course on time, thanks to Grant, Bruce and Lorenzo for the assist. This 9-hole golf course of tight fairways, lazy trees and rather sandless bunkers had the boys both local and from Nomads showing their true form for most of the day. Overall, the golf was good, the beers cold and the braai for dinner exceptional. I am pleased to write that Southern Natal Nomads prevailed and a win was secured.
This now places us in the unique position of holders of the Bert Hunt Trophy at Nationals and the following Challenge Trophies, Port Edward Trophy, Kokstad Challenge, Underberg Trophy and The Matatiele Challenge Trophy.
The only one missing from a clean sweep is the Drakensberg Cup, but that was not played last year, so in essence we hold all the trophies for all our away tour endeavours. Well done Sean and Jean-Marc and all the boys who attended and played.
Chaps we have been unfortunate to have lost three Nomads at Southern Natal, one to Covid, one medical and one to a fatal motor car accident. The bell has tolled for Bobby Naidoo, Rowan Dawson and Koko Zithumane.
Remember “no man is an island”.
Our next game is scheduled to be played at Sheppies on the 13th of April. We can be assured of one thing, with the “Peacock” involved the course will be spectacular. So, if you have not put your name down to play, please do so and all things being equal, this will be our first Prize Giving of the year with a twist. We have a shed load of award and milestones to give out and acknowledge, so come and support you mates with a beer and good cheer and by the way play some golf as well.
As a last but vital note, we still have some 30 odd members who have not paid their subs, please chaps I know that this last year has been a financial strain on most , but as a club we are reliant on you to be prudent and forthcoming with your financial commitment to Nomads, we have lost a large number of local sponsors who just cannot commit to game or day sponsorship, it is therefore up to each one of us to fulfil our commitment and alleviate the financial strain on our club.
Till next time, keep it on the fairway and stay safe.
Shaggy