The Clarens - July 2024 - Newsletter

Dear Member

July was a frosty month at Clarens Golf & Leisure Estate, with 950 rounds of golf played despite the cold. The golf course saw numerous changes, and the Clarens area experienced wildfires. Through these challenges, our community's resilience and dedication continue to shine brightly.

August 2024 Calendar

 

Trading Hours

 

As the colors of winter will fade later the month, we’re thrilled to welcome the refreshing arrival of spring! Starting September 1, 2024, we’ll be adjusting our business hours to reflect our summer schedule and make the most of the delightful weather.

New Hours of Operation:

1. Weekdays: Our first tee time will be available from 07:30 AM.
2. Weekends: Enjoy an earlier start with our first tee time available from 07:00 AM.

To ensure you secure your preferred tee times, we encourage you to book your next round of golf as soon as possible. Reservations can be made through our Pro Shop at 0582561270 or conveniently via the ClubMaster Members Portal app.

We’re excited to embrace the new season with you and look forward to seeing you out on the course!

 

Greenkeepers Report

 

Fairway Aeration and Lime Application:

This month, our team focused on aerating the fairways on holes 2 and 8. Aeration is essential for relieving soil compaction, improving water infiltration, and encouraging healthy root growth. Following the aeration, we applied lime to these areas to adjust the soil pH, which helps in optimizing the growing conditions for the grass. We anticipate that these treatments will contribute significantly to the overall health and playability of these fairways.

New Lawn Planting at the Clubhouse:

We’re excited to report that new lawn has been planted at the clubhouse. The newly planted lawn is being carefully nurtured to ensure quick establishment and a lush, green finish.

Greens Maintenance:

We have been cutting the greens twice per week at a height of 4 mm.

We have not received any rainfall this month. The lack of rain presents certain challenges, particularly in maintaining adequate soil moisture levels. The team has been closely monitoring the course and employing irrigation practices to counteract the effects of the dry conditions. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these weather-related challenges.

‍Rainfall Calendar

 

Singles Match Play 

 

As we approach August, we want to remind all participants of the Singles Match Play Pool Games as the deadline to complete your matches is fast approaching 18th of August 2024.

It's crucial that all pool games are finalized by this date to ensure a smooth transition into the finals. If you find yourself unable to complete all of your scheduled matches by the deadline, please refer to the Conditions of Competition document that was previously shared via the WhatsApp group. This document outlines the procedures and possible adjustments that will be made in such cases.

To avoid any last-minute issues or complications, we encourage you to reach out to your opponents and schedule your remaining matches as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact Heindrich Dyer 

We wish all the players the best of luck with their remaining matches!

Business League 2024

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‍Hickory Challenge 

We are delighted to share the highlights of our recent Hickory Challenge, held on Friday, July 19, 2024, in honor of The Open Championship. The event was a resounding success, celebrating the rich history of golf with a touch of nostalgia and a competitive spirit.

This year's Hickory Challenge featured a straightforward yet engaging format: players took on the 1st hole of our course using hickory clubs, competing in stroke play for the coveted title. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and enthusiasm as participants relished the opportunity to play with these classic clubs.

We fondly remembered the late Albert Smit during this event, who had competed in a thrilling playoff against Wouter De Wet in 2023. Albert's legacy and contributions to our club continues to inspire us.

In a testament to his skill and consistency, Wouter De Wet once again emerged as the champion of the Hickory Challenge. His performance was exceptional, with a solid bogey 5 on the par 4 hole. The competition was tight, and the deciding factor came down to a long drive challenge, where Wouter showcased his prowess and successfully defended his title.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Wouter De Wet for his remarkable achievement and to all the participants for making the event memorable. It was a fantastic day filled with tradition, competition, and celebration of the game we all cherish.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unique event. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering, and as always, we appreciate your continued support.

Weekly Competition Results 

Wednesday 03 July 2024 (3 Scores to Count) 

Business League Round 6 

First Place: Team 50+

Second Place: Team Chubby Unicorns

 

Friday 05 July 2024 (IPS – Red tees Only) 

Puma Energy Competition

                - No Competition took place

Wednesday 10 July 2024 (IPS) 

Wednesday 18 Hole Competition 

                - No Competition took place

Friday 12 July 2024 (Bonus Bogey) 

Puma Energy Competition 

First Place: Werner Engelbrecht

Second Place: Louwrens De Jager

 

Wednesday 17 July 2024 (IPS – 2 Ball Better Ball) 

Wednesday 18 Hole Competition 

First Place: Louwrens De Jager & Steve Oliver

Second Place: Arend Gagiano & Leon Matthee

Friday 19 July 2024 

Ciglers Meat Competition (IPS)

First Place: Bert Janse van Rensburg

Second place: Willie van Zyl

Wednesday 24 July 2024 (Skins) 

Wednesday 18 Holes Competition 

First Place: Mark Horton

Second Place: Kevin Jordaan

Friday 26 July 2024 (IPS) 

Ciglers Meat Competition 

First Place: Mike van Niekerk

Second Place: Mark Horton

Wednesday 31 July 2024 (Medal) 

KWV Thirsty Thousand 

First Place: Louwrens De Jager

Second Place: Kevin Jordaan

 

HNA News

“Dear Golfer

This month, we're thrilled to unveil exciting new changes to our app, including a social activity feed, and a comments section to enhance your golfing experience. Dive into the latest updates, and don't miss our feature story from the winner of our recent submission contest!

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming Premium feature on the HNA Handicaps and Tournament app, designed to enhance your golfing experience and keep you connected with your friends on and off the course.

Introducing the Activity Feed and Commenting Section!

Our latest update, coming soon, will allow you to:

- View Your Friends' Activity Feeds: Stay up-to-date with your friends' golfing adventures. See their latest rounds, scores, and achievements right from your app.

- Comment on Rounds: Engage with your friends by leaving comments on their rounds. Share tips, congratulate them on great games, or simply join the conversation and stay connected.

- Enhanced Interaction: Make your golfing community stronger by interacting more closely with those you follow. This feature aims to bring golfers together, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition.

How to Access the New Feature:

1. Stay Informed: A pop-up notice will be communicated in the app once the feature is live, so you won't miss out on any updates.

2. Update Your App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Handicaps Network Africa app installed once the feature is live.

3. Navigate to the Activity Feed: Open the app and go to the 'Friends' section. Here, you'll find the new Activity Feed showcasing your friends' latest rounds.

4. Start Commenting: Click on any round to view details and leave your comments.

Exclusive for Premium Subscribers:

This exciting new feature will be available exclusively for our Premium subscribers. If you haven't upgraded yet, now is the perfect time to take advantage of all the benefits Premium has to offer, including detailed statistics, friend following, and soon, the activity feed and commenting.

FEATURE: TALES FROM THE COURSE

As part of our competition, where readers share their memorable moments on the golf course, we received an endearing and humorous story from one of our golfers. Read on for a delightful tale of a young golfer's first full day on the course, a lesson learned about the rules of the game, and how his efforts have earned him a dozen Srixon golf balls!

Taking place in 1975 at Amanzimtoti Golf Club, my first full day of golf. My dad dropped us off at the club on his way to work in Prospection (Toyota). It was a school holiday, and we were going to play until he collected us after work—8 or 9 hours of golf. It was myself and a mate; we were 12 years old.

I got to the first tee at Toti, and there was a huge whiteboard with the words "FOUR BALLS ONLY." I was shocked as I had at least 10 or 12 balls in my bag! I quickly hid the extra six or eight by dropping them in amongst the clubs, in case the marshal came to check how many balls I had in my bag's side pockets. When I ran out of balls, I would turn the bag upside down, let the next four out, and carry on playing.

When dad came to collect us, I complained bitterly about the stupid rule of "4 Balls Only." He laughed at me for about five minutes before he could compose himself and explained that "4 Ball" meant four players, which was a higher standing than three, two, or one player. I was so relieved not to have broken a rule, as my dad was and still is a HUGE stickler for the rules. - Rynardt Crous” Quoted from Handicap Network Africa

Rule for the Month

Purpose of Rule: 

Rule 4 covers the equipment that players may use during a rounds. Based on the principles that golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on the player’s judgment, skills and abilities, the player: 

 

1. Must use conforming clubs and balls, 
2. Is limited to no more that 14 clubs, and 
3. Is restricted in the use of other equipment that gives artificial help to their play. 

Rule 4:

The Player’s Equipment

For detailed requirements for clubs, balls and other equipment and the process for consultation and submission of equipment for conformity review, see the Equipment Rules 

4.1 Clubs

4.1a Clubs Allowed in Making a Stroke

(1) Conforming Clubs. In making a stroke, a player must use a club that conforms to the requirements in the Equipment Rules when:

1. It is new, or

2. Its playing characteristics have been changed in any way (but see Rule 4.1a(2) when a club is damaged during the round).

But if the playing characteristics of a conforming club change because of wear through normal use, it is still a conforming club. The “playing characteristics” of a club are any part, feature, or property that affects how the club performs or aids in alignment, including but not limited to, weighting, lie, loft, alignment features and permissible external attachments.

(2) Use, Repair or Replacement of Club Damaged During Round. If a conforming club is damaged during a round or while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, except in cases of abuse, the player may repair it or replace it with another club. But no matter what the nature or cause of the damage, the damaged club is treated as conforming for the rest of the round (but not during a play-off in stroke play, which is a new round).For the rest of the round, the player may:

1. Continue to make strokes with the damaged club, or

2. Except in cases of abuse, repair the club or replace it with another club (see Rule 4.1b(4)).

If the player replaces the damaged club with another club, the player must take the damaged club out of play before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1). “Damaged during a round” means when any part, feature or property of a club is changed because of any act during the round (including while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a), whether:

1. By the player (such as making a stroke or practice swing with the club, putting it in or taking it out of a golf bag, dropping or leaning on it, or abusing it), or

2. By any other person, outside influence or natural forces.

But a club is not “damaged during a round” if its playing characteristics are deliberately changed by the player during the round, as
covered by Rule 4.1a(3).

(3) Deliberately Changing Club’s Playing Characteristics During Round. A player must not make a stroke with a club when they have deliberately changed that club’s playing characteristics during the round (including while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a):

1. By using an adjustable feature or physically changing the club (except when allowed to repair damage under Rule 4.1a(2)), or

2. By applying any substance to the clubhead (other than in cleaning it) to affect how it performs in making a stroke.

Exception – Adjustable Club Restored to Original Position or Non-Permissible External Attachment Removed: There is no penalty and the club may be used to make a stroke in the following two situations:

1. If a club’s playing characteristics were changed by using an adjustable feature and, before the club is used to make a stroke, the club is restored as nearly as possible to its original position by adjusting the feature back to where it was.

2. A non-permissible external attachment (such as a sticker on the club face) is removed from the club before the club is used to make a stroke.

Penalty for Making Stroke in Breach of Rule 4.1a: Disqualification.

1. There is no penalty under this Rule for merely having (but not making a stroke with) a non-conforming club or a club whose playing characteristics were deliberately changed during the round.

2. But such a club still counts towards the 14-club limit in Rule 4.1b(1).

4.1b Limit of 14 Clubs; Sharing, Adding or Replacing Clubs During Round

(1) Limit of 14 Clubs. A player must not:

1. Start a round with more than 14 clubs, or

2. Have more than 14 clubs during the round.

This limit includes all clubs carried by or for the player. But it does not include parts of a broken club and separated parts (such as a clubhead, shaft or grip) that are being carried by or for a player at the start of their round. If the player starts a round with fewer than 14 clubs, they may add clubs during the round up to the 14-club limit (see Rule 4.1b(4) for restrictions in doing this). A club is considered added when the player makes their next stroke with any club while the added club is in the player’s possession. When the player becomes aware that they are in breach of this Rule by having more than 14 clubs, the player must take the excess club or clubs out of play before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1):

1. If the player started with more than 14 clubs, they may choose which club or clubs will be taken out of play.

2. If the player added excess clubs during the round, those added clubs are the ones that must be taken out of play.

After a player’s round has started, if the player picks up another player’s club that was left behind, or a club is mistakenly put in the player’s bag without their knowledge, the club is not treated as one of the player’s clubs for purposes of the 14-club limit (but it must not be used).(2) No Sharing of Clubs. A player is limited to those clubs they started with or added as allowed in (1):

1. The player must not make a stroke with a club being used by anyone else who is playing on the course (even if the other player is playing in a different group or competition).
2. When the player becomes aware that they have breached this Rule by making a stroke with another player’s club, the player must take that club out of play before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).See Rules 22.5 and 23.7 (limited exception in partner forms of play allowing partners to share clubs if they have no more than 14 clubs between them).(3) No Replacing Lost Clubs. If a player started with 14 clubs or added clubs up to the limit of 14 and then lost a club during the round or while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, the player must not replace it with another club.(4) Restrictions When Adding or Replacing Clubs. When adding or replacing a club under Rule 4.1a(2) or Rule 4.1b(1), a player must not: 
        -Unreasonably delay play (see Rule 5.6a),
        -Add or borrow any club being carried by or for any other player who is playing on the course (even if the other player is playing in        a different group or competition), or
3. Build a club from parts being carried by or for the player or any other player who is playing on the course (even if the other player is playing in a different group or competition).

When the player becomes aware that they have breached this Rule by adding or replacing a club when not allowed, the player must take that club out of play before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).If the player makes a stroke with a club that is still being carried after being taken out of play before the round (Rule 4.1c(2)) or during the round (Rule 4.1c(1)), they are disqualified under Rule 4.1c(1).Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.1b: The penalty applies based on when the player becomes aware of the breach:

1. Player Becomes Aware of Breach While Playing the Hole. The penalty is applied at the end of the hole being played. In match play, the player must complete the hole, apply the result of that hole to the match score and then apply the penalty to adjust the match score.

2. Player Becomes Aware of Breach Between Two Holes. The penalty is applied as of the end of the hole just completed, not the next hole.

Penalty in Match Play – Match Score Revised by Deducting Hole, Maximum of Two Holes:

1. This is a match adjustment penalty – it is not the same as a loss of hole penalty

2. At the end of the hole being played or just completed, the match score is revised by deducting one hole for each hole where a breach happened, with a maximum deduction of two holes in the round. For example, if a player who started with 15 clubs becomes aware of the breach while playing the 3^rd hole and then wins that hole to go three up in the match, the maximum adjustment of two holes applies and the player would now be one up in the match.

Penalty in Stroke Play – Two Penalty Strokes, Maximum of Four Strokes: The player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes) for each hole where a breach happened, with a maximum of four penalty strokes in the round (adding two penalty strokes at each of the first two holes where a breach happened).

4.1c Procedure for Taking Clubs Out of Play

(1) During Round. When a player becomes aware during a round that they are in breach of Rule 4.1b, the player must take an action that clearly indicates each club that is being taken out of play before making the next stroke. This may be done either by:

1. Declaring this to the opponent in match play or the marker or another player in the group in stroke play, or

2. Taking some other clear action (such as turning the club upside down in the bag, placing it on the floor of the golf cart or giving the club to another person).

The player must not make a stroke for the rest of the round with any club taken out of play. If a club taken out of play is another player’s club, that other player may continue to use the club. Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.1c(1): Disqualification.(2) Before Round. If a player becomes aware shortly before starting a round that they accidentally have more than 14 clubs, the player should try to leave the excess club or clubs behind. But as an option without penalty:

1. The player may take any such excess clubs out of play before the start of the round, using the procedure in (1), and

2. The excess clubs may be kept by the player (but must not be used) during the round, and they do not count towards the 14-club limit.

If a player deliberately brings more than 14 clubs to their first teeing area and starts the round without leaving the excess clubs behind, this option is not allowed and Rule 4.1b(1) applies.

 

4.2 Balls

4.2a Balls Allowed in Play of Round

(1) Conforming Ball Must Be Played. In making each stroke, a player must use a ball that conforms to the requirements in the Equipment Rules  .A player may get a conforming ball to play from anyone else, including another player on the course.(2) Deliberately Altered Ball Must Not Be Played. A player must not make a stroke at a ball whose performance characteristics have been deliberately altered, such as by scuffing or heating the ball or by applying any substance (other than in cleaning it).Penalty for Making Stroke in Breach of Rule 4.2a: Disqualification.

4.2b Ball Breaks into Pieces While Playing Hole

If a player’s ball breaks into pieces after a stroke, there is no penalty and the stroke does not count. The player must play another ball

from where that stroke was made (see Rule 14.6). Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 4.2b: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.

4.2c Ball Becomes Cut or Cracked While Playing Hole

(1) Lifting Ball to See If Cut or Cracked. If a player reasonably believes that their ball has become cut or cracked during the hole being played :

1. The player may lift the ball to look at it, but:

2. The spot of the ball must first be marked, and the ball must not be cleaned (except on the putting green) (see Rule 14.1).

If the player lifts the ball without having this reasonable belief (except on the putting green where the player may lift under Rule 13.1b), fails to mark the spot of the ball before lifting it or cleans it when not allowed, the player gets one penalty stroke.

 

(2) When Another Ball May Be Substituted. The player may substitute another ball only if it can be clearly seen that the original ball is cut or cracked, and this damage happened during the hole being played – but not if it is only scratched or scraped or its paint is only damaged or discolored.

1. If the original ball is cut or cracked, the player must replace either another ball or the original ball on the original spot (see Rule 14.2).
2. If the original ball is not cut or cracked, the player must replace it on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).

If a player makes a stroke at an incorrectly substituted ball, the player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 6.3b.Nothing in this Rule prohibits a player from substituting another ball under any other Rule or changing balls between two holes. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 4.2c: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.

4.3Use of Equipment

Rule 4.3 applies to all types of equipment that a player might use during a round, except that the requirement to play with conforming clubs and balls is covered by Rules 4.1 and 4.2, not by this Rule. This Rule only concerns how equipment is used. It does not limit the equipment that a player may have with them during a round.

4.3a Allowed and Prohibited Uses of Equipment

A player may use equipment to help their play during a round, except that a player must not create a potential advantage by:

1. Using equipment (other than a club or a ball) that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is essential to the challenge of the game, or

2. Using equipment (including a club or a ball) in an abnormal way in making a stroke. “Abnormal way” means a way that is fundamentally different than its intended use and is not normally recognized as part of playing the game.

This Rule does not affect the application of any other Rule that limits actions a player is allowed to take with a club, ball or other equipment(such as setting down a club or other object to help the player in aiming, see Rule 10.2b(3)).Common examples of uses of equipment that are allowed and not allowed during a player’s round under this Rule are:(1) Distance and Directional Information.

1. Allowed. Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass).
2. Not Allowed.

1. Measuring elevation changes,

2. Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of the player’s ball), or

3. Using an alignment device (see definition in Equipment Rules) to help align the ball. 

1. Allowed.

1. Getting any type of weather information (including wind speed) that is available from weather forecasts, or

2. Measuring temperature and humidity at the course.

2. Not Allowed.

1. Measuring wind speed at the course, or

2. Using an artificial object to get other wind-related information (such as using powder, a handkerchief or a ribbon to assess wind direction).

(3) Information Gathered Before or During Round.

1. Allowed.

1. Using information that was gathered before the round (such as playing information from previous rounds, swing tips or club recommendations), or

2. Recording (for use after the round) playing or physiological information from the round (such as club distance, playing statistics or heart rate).

2. Not Allowed.

1. Processing or interpreting playing information from the round (such as club recommendations based on current round distances), or

2. Using any physiological information recorded during the round.

(4) Audio and Video.

1. Allowed.

1. Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as a news report or background music). But in doing so, consideration should be shown to others (see Rule 1.2).

2. Not Allowed.

1. Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, or

2. Watching video of the competition that helps the player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round, except that a player may watch video that is being broadcast to spectators at the course, such as on a video scoreboard.

1. Allowed.

1. Using a plain glove that meets the requirements in the Equipment Rules,

2. Using resin, powders and other moisturizing or drying agents, or

3. Wrapping a towel or handkerchief around the grip.

2. Not Allowed.

1. Using a glove that does not meet the requirements in the Equipment Rules, or

2. Using other equipment that gives an unfair advantage with hand position or grip pressure.

(6) Stretching Devices and Training or Swing Aids.

1. Allowed.

1. Using any equipment for general stretching (other than in making a practice swing), whether the equipment is designed for stretching, for use in golf (such as an alignment rod placed across the shoulders) or for any purpose unrelated to golf (such as rubber tubing or a section of pipe).

2. Not Allowed.

1. Using any type of golf training or swing aid (such as an alignment rod or a weighted headcover or “donut”) or a non-conforming club in any way that creates a potential advantage by helping the player in preparing for or making a stroke (such as help with swing plane, grip, alignment, ball position or posture).

Further guidance on the use of equipment described above and other types of equipment (such as clothing and shoes) is found in the Equipment Rules. A player who is uncertain whether they may use a piece of equipment in a particular way should ask the Committee for a ruling (see Rule 202b). (the Committee may adopt a Local Rule prohibiting the use of motorized transportation during a round).

4.3b Equipment Used for Medical Reasons

(1) Medical Exception. A player is not in breach of Rule 4.3 if they use equipment to help with a medical condition, so long as:

1. The player has a medical reason to use the equipment, and
2. The Committee decides that its use does not give the player any unfair advantage over other players.

See Rule 25.3a (status of prosthetic devices); Rule 25.4f (application of Rule 4.3 for assistive mobility).(2) Tape or Similar Coverings. A player may use adhesive tape or a similar covering for any medical reason (such as to prevent an injury or help with an existing injury), but the tape or covering must not:

1. Be applied excessively, or

2. Help the player more than is necessary for the medical reason (for example, it must not immobilize a joint to help the player swing the club).

A player who is uncertain about where or how tape or similar coverings may be applied should ask the Committee for a ruling. Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.3:

1. Penalty for first breach: General Penalty. If the breach happens between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

2. Penalty for second breach: Disqualification. This penalty applies even if the nature of the breach was entirely different than the breach resulting in the first penalty. This penalty only applies if there has been an intervening event after the first breach (see Rule 1.3c(4)).

Kind Regards

Heindrich Dyer

Golf Director

URL: www.theclarens.co.za         |          Email: golf@theclarens.co.za         |       Tel:  +27 58 256 1270

 

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