The Clarens - August 2024 - Newsletter

Dear Member

As August draws to a close, we celebrate a month of robust activity and heartfelt community spirit. With 939 rounds of golf played, our greens have been a hub of excitement and skill. Meanwhile, our beautiful region faced a challenge as devastating fires affected Mount Horeb and surrounding areas. We extend our deepest gratitude to the brave individuals who battled these fires to protect our beloved estate and golf course. Despite the warmth of the season as we inch towards spring, the resilience of our community shines brightly. Here’s to a new month filled with renewed hope and continued camaraderie.

September 2024 Calendar

 

Trading Hours

As the colours of winter will fade later this 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

1. Greens Maintenance: We’ve maintained our greens with precision, cutting them to 4 mm every second day to ensure optimal playing conditions.
2. Fertilization: Tee boxes and the clubhouse lawn has been treated with fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant green spaces.
3. Bunker Renovations: Significant work has been carried out on our bunkers. Greenside bunkers at holes 10, 12, and 16, as well as fairway bunkers at holes 11, 13, and 15, have been redone to enhance playability and aesthetics.
4. Cart Path Repair: The cart path at hole 17 has been repaired to improve safety and ease of access.
5. Chipping Green Upgrade: We’ve commenced work on upgrading the chipping green bunker. This enhancement will soon be ready for play.
6. Winter Thatch Removal: To ensure smooth putting surfaces, we have brushed the greens to remove winter thatch.
7. Hole Cup Liners: Liners have been removed from the hole cups to prepare for the upcoming season.

We continue to focus on maintaining and improving our facilities to provide you with the best possible golfing experience.

 

Cigarette buds

As we embrace the beauty of the golf season, we want to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of keeping our course clean and inviting for all.

We’ve noticed an increase in cigarette butts being discarded on the course. While we understand that many of our members enjoy a smoke during their round, it’s crucial that we all do our part in preserving the pristine condition of our beloved course. Discarding cigarette butts on the course not only diminishes its beauty but can also have negative environmental impacts.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the course to its fullest, we kindly ask that you dispose of cigarette butts properly. Please use the designated dustbins located around the course, or if you need, ashtrays are available upon request.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and helps us in our ongoing efforts to provide an exceptional golfing experience. Let’s work together to keep our course as beautiful and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

Thank you for your attention and continued support.

 

Fairways

As we approach the heart of our golf season, we’d like to remind everyone of an important aspect of course maintenance that significantly contributes to the health and quality of our fairways. To support our ongoing decompaction efforts and promote lush, spring grass coverage, we kindly ask that members keep golf carts off the fairways whenever possible.

The fairways are the centerpiece of our course, and frequent cart traffic can lead to soil compaction, which impedes healthy grass growth. By adhering to a few simple practices, you can greatly assist us in maintaining the high standards we all enjoy.

Please be mindful of the signage posted around the course, which indicates areas where cart access is restricted. Staying on designated paths helps protect the integrity of the fairways and encourages robust grass development. Additionally, when approaching your ball, please apply the 90-degree rule with your cart. This means making your approach perpendicular to the fairway, minimizing the distance you travel on the grass itself.

Your cooperation in these efforts ensures that our course remains in optimal condition for everyone to enjoy. By working together and following these guidelines, we can all contribute to a more beautiful and playable golf environment.

‍Rainfall Calendar

 

‍‍Singles Match Play

We are thrilled to share the exciting results from our 2024 Singles Match Play tournament, where 22 enthusiastic participants competed across two competitive pools, Pool A and Pool B.

After a series of intense and thrilling matches, the stage was set for the final showdown. In the match for 3rd place, Kevin Jordaan faced off against Warren Currie. With a display of skill and strategy, Warren secured victory, claiming the bronze medal and finishing in 3rd place.

The grand finale was nothing short of spectacular. The final match saw Waseem Cassim go head-to-head with the formidable Arend Gagiano. In a nail-biting contest, Arend emerged victorious, earning the title of the 2024 Singles Match Play Champion. This victory is especially notable as it marks Arend’s second championship win, having previously been crowned the singles champion in 2022.

For a brief moment, the spotlight was on Pieter Boshoff, the reigning champion of 2023, who now passes the torch to Arend.

Congratulations to all participants for their exceptional performances and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. We look forward to more thrilling matches and memorable moments in the upcoming events. Stay tuned for our next competition and thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.

 

Weekly Competition Results

 

Friday 02 August 2024 (IPS)

Puma Energy Competition

First Place:  Rudolph Labuschagne

Second place:  Janice Brownlee

 

Wednesday 07 August 2024 (Flags)

Business League Round 7

First Place: Team Afgri Equipment

Second Place: Team BVHS

 

Friday 09 August 2024

1. No competition took place – Railway Liquorland Golf Day

 

Wednesday 14 August 2024 (2 Ball Better Ball Stableford)

18 Hole Competition

First Place: Wessel Potgieter & Leon Matthee

Second Place: Dawie van der Walt & Jurgens Exley

 

Friday 16 August 2024 (Medal)

Puma Energy Competition

First Place: Louwrens De Jager

Second Place: Kevin Jordaan

 

Wednesday 21 August 2024 (IPS)

18 Hole Competition

First Place: Wessel Potgieter

Second Place: John Craven

 

Friday 23 August 2024 (IPS – Mystery Score)

Ciglers Meat Competition

First Place: Fanus van Heerden

Second Place: Louwrens De Jager

 

Wednesday 28 August 2024 (Medal)

KWV Thirsty Thousand

1. No competition took place

 

Friday 30 August 2023 (Bonus Bogey)

Ciglers Meat Competition

1. No competition took place

 

HNA News

“Dear Golfer

 

This month, we revisit the Maximum Allowed Hole Score rule to clarify how "net double bogey" is calculated. Plus, we invite you to participate in a global WHS™️ survey by The R&A and the USGA — your feedback helps keep the game fair and enjoyable for all!

HANDICAP NEWS

Understanding the Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes (Rule 3.1)

When you submit a score for handicap purposes, the World Handicap System™️ (WHS™️) applies a cap on the maximum score you can record on any hole. For golfers with an established Handicap Index®️, this cap is known as a "net double bogey." A net double bogey is calculated as the par of the hole plus two strokes, plus any handicap strokes you receive on that hole.

 

For example, if you are playing a par 4 hole, and receive one handicap stroke on that hole, your maximum score for that hole would be 4 (par) + 2 (double bogey) + 1 (handicap stroke) = 7. This rule ensures that exceptionally high scores on a single hole do not unduly affect your overall Handicap Index.

 

Remember, this adjustment is applied automatically when using our Phone Apps and other scoring platforms, but if you are submitting a gross score manually, you will need to make this adjustment yourself before submitting it.

SURVEY: WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM

The R&A and the USGA are conducting a global survey on the World Handicap System™️ (WHS™️), and we encourage you to take part!

Your honest feedback and insights are crucial to the ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping™️ and the Course Rating System™️. These rules aim to ensure accuracy, consistency, and fairness in handicapping, while also enhancing the enjoyment of golf for everyone.

All individual responses will be confidential and anonymous. We greatly appreciate your time and input in helping to shape the future of the WHS.

Click the link below to participate in the survey:

https://handicaps.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e6b16e285ef7ce7039e56837e&id=e7ebd184a1&e=fcd0b3b4e6” Quoted from Handicap Network Africa

 

Members Performance

Junior Golf Achievements Shine Bright

The Clarens Golf & Leisure Estate is excited to spotlight some extraordinary performances from our junior golfers who have excelled in the Free State junior tournaments this year. Our members have truly made their mark, and we’re excited to share their remarkable achievements.

Hendré van der Watt has delivered an impressive performance, securing a commendable 2nd place in the overall Free State standings, encompassing all age groups under 19. His consistency and skill throughout the year have not gone unnoticed, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hendré for this exceptional result.

Motiki Mokoena also shone brightly, finishing 7th in the Free State overall junior category. Motiki’s dedication and hard work have clearly paid off, and we are proud to celebrate this significant accomplishment.

Phello Miya rounded out our top performers, achieving 28th place in the Free State overall junior rankings. This is a noteworthy achievement in such a competitive field, and Phello’s perseverance and enthusiasm for the game are truly commendable.

In addition, Wian De Jager, at just 10 years old, has had a standout year, finishing 12th in the under-13 overall order of merit. Wian’s participation in numerous US Kids tournaments has earned him a well-deserved reputation among junior golfers. With several tournament victories this season, Wian’s future in golf looks exceptionally bright.

We are also delighted to announce that Hendré van der Watt and Motiki Mokoena have been selected to represent the Free State in the prestigious Neighbour Challenge. They will showcase their skills at the Bethlehem Country Club on the 21st of September 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to further demonstrate their talent on a broader stage.

Congratulations once again to all our young golfers for their fantastic performances this year. We wish them continued success and look forward to their future achievements.

Keep up the great work, and let’s continue to support and celebrate our talented juniors!

 

Rule for the Month

Purpose of Rule: 

Rule 5 covers how to play a round – such as where and when a player may practice on the course before or during a round, when a round starts and ends and what happens when play has to stop or resume Players are expected to:

1. Start each round on time, and
2. Play continuously and at a prompt pace during each hole until the round is completed.

When it is a player’s turn to play, it is recommended that they make the stroke in no more than 40 seconds, and usually more quickly than that.

 

5 Playing the Round

 

5.1 Meaning of Round

A “round” is 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. When a round ends in a tie and play will go on until there is a winner:

1. Tied Match Extended One Hole at a Time This is the continuation of the same round, not a new round.
2. Play-off in Stroke Play. This is a new round

A player is playing their round from when it starts until it ends (see Rule 5.3), except while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a.When a Rule refers to actions taken “during a round,” that does not include while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a unless the Rule says otherwise.

 

5.2Practicing on Course Before or Between Rounds

For purposes of this Rule:

1. “Practicing on the course” means playing a ball, or testing the surface of the putting green of any hole by rolling a ball or rubbing the surface, and
2. The limitations on practice on the course before or between rounds apply only to the player, not to the player’s caddie.

 

5.2a Match Play

A player may practice on the course before a round or between rounds of a match-play competition.

5.2b Stroke Play

On the day of a stroke-play competition:

1. A player must not practice on the course before a round, except that the player may:

1. Practice putting or chipping on or near their first teeing area.
2. Practice on any practice area.
3. Practice on or near the putting green of the hole just completed even if they will play that hole again on the same day (see Rule 5.5b). 

2. A player may practice on the course after completing play of their final round for that day.

If a player makes a stroke in breach of this Rule, they get the general penalty applied to their first hole. If they make an additional stroke in breach of this Rule, they are disqualified. (In either form of play, the Committee may adopt a Local Rule prohibiting, restricting or allowing practice on the course before or between rounds).

 

5.3 Starting and Ending Round

 

5.3a When to Start Round

A player’s round starts when the player makes a stroke to start their first hole (see Rule 6.1a).The player must start at (and not before) their starting time:

1. This means that the player must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the Committee.
2. A starting time set by the Committee is treated as an exact time (for example, 9 am means 9:00:00 am, not any time until 9:01 am).

If the starting time is delayed for any reason (such as weather, slow play of other groups or the need for a ruling by a referee), there is no breach of this Rule if the player is present and ready to play when the player’s group is able to start. Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.3a: Disqualification, except in these three cases:

1. Exception 1 – Player Arrives at Starting Point, Ready to Play, No More Than Five Minutes Late: The player gets the general penalty applied to their first hole.
2. Exception 2 – Player Starts No More Than Five Minutes Early: The player gets the general penalty applied to their first hole.
3. Exception 3 – Committee Decides that Exceptional Circumstances Prevented Player from Starting on Time: There is no breach of this Rule and no penalty.

5.3b When Round Ends

A player’s round ends:

1. In match play, when the result of the match is decided under Rule 32a(3) or (4).
2. In stroke play, when the player holes out at the final hole (including correction of a mistake, such as under Rule 6.1 or 14.7b).

See Rules 21.1e, 21.2e, 21.3e and 23.3b (when a round starts and ends in other forms of stroke play and in Four-Ball).

 

5.4 Playing in Groups

 

5.4a Match Play

During a round, the player and opponent must play each hole in the same group.

5.4b Stroke Play

During a round, the player must remain in the group set by the Committee, unless the Committee approves a change either before or after it happens. Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.4: Disqualification.

 

5.5 Practicing During Round or While Play Is Stopped

 

5.5a No Practice Strokes While Playing Hole

While playing a hole, a player must not make a practice stroke at any ball on or off the course. These are not practice strokes:

1. A practice swing made with no intent to strike a ball
2. Hitting a ball back to a practice area or to another player, when done solely as a courtesy.
3. Strokes made by a player in playing out a hole whose result has been decided.

5.5b Restriction on Practice Strokes After Completing Hole

After completing play of a hole, but before making a stroke to begin another hole, a player must not make a practice stroke. Exception – Where Player Allowed to Practice Putting or Chipping: The player may practice putting or chipping on or near:

1. The putting green of the hole just completed and any practice green (see Rule 13.1e), and
2. The teeing area of the next hole.

But such practice strokes must not be made from a bunker and must not unreasonably delay play (see Rule 5.6a). (The Committee may adopt a Local Rule prohibiting players from practicing putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole just completed).

5.5c Practice While Play Is Suspended or Otherwise Stopped

While play is suspended or otherwise stopped under Rule 5.7a, a player must not make a practice stroke except:

1. As allowed in Rule 5.5b,
2. Anywhere outside the course, and
3. Anywhere on the course the Committee allows.

If a match is stopped by agreement of the players and will not be resumed on the same day, the players may practice on the course without restriction before the match is resumed. Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.5: General Penalty. If the breach happens between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

 

5.6 Unreasonable Delay; Prompt Pace of Play

 

5.6a Unreasonable Delay of Play

A player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes A player may be allowed a short delay for certain reasons, such as:

1. When the player seeks help from a referee or the Committee,
2. When the player becomes injured or ill, or
3. When there is another good reason.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.6a:

1. Penalty for first breach: One penalty stroke.
2. Penalty for second breach: General Penalty.
3. Penalty for third breach: Disqualification.

If the player unreasonably delays play between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole. See Rule 25.6a (application of Rule 5.6a to players with disabilities).

5.6b Prompt Pace of Play

A round of golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace. Each player should recognize that their pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their rounds, including both those in the player’s own group and those in following groups. Players are encouraged to allow faster groups to play through.(1) Pace of Play Recommendations. The player should play at a prompt pace throughout the round, including the time taken to:

1. Prepare for and make each stroke,
2. Move from one place to another between strokes, and
3. Move to the next teeing area after completing a hole.

A player should prepare in advance for the next stroke and be ready to play when it is their turn. When it is the player’s turn to play:

1. It is recommended that the player make the stroke in no more than 40 seconds after they are (or should be) able to play without interference or distraction, and
2. The player should usually be able to play more quickly than that and is encouraged to do so.

(2) Playing Out of Turn to Help Pace of Play. Depending on the form of play, there are times when players may play out of turn to help the pace of play:

1. In match play, the players may agree that one of them will play out of turn to save time (see Rule 6.4a Exception).
2. In stroke play, players may play “ready golf” in a safe and responsible way (see Rule 6.4b(2)).

 

(3) Committee Pace of Play Policy. To encourage and enforce prompt play, the Committee should adopt a Local Rule setting a Pace of Play Policy. This Policy may set a maximum time to complete a round, a hole or series of holes and a stroke, and it may set penalties for not following the Policy.

 

5.7 Stopping Play; Resuming Play

5.7a When Players May or Must Stop Play

During a round, a player must not stop play except in these cases:

1. Suspension by Committee. All players must stop play if the Committee suspends play (see Rule 5.7b).
2. Stopping Play by Agreement in Match Play. Players in a match may agree to stop play for any reason, except if doing so delays the competition. If they agree to stop play and then one player wants to resume play, the agreement has ended and the other player must resume play.
3. Individual Player Stopping Play Because of Lightning. A player may stop play if they reasonably believe there is danger from lightning, but must report to the Committee as soon as possible.

Leaving the course is not, by itself, stopping play. A player’s delay of play is covered by Rule 5.6a, not by this Rule. If a player stops play for any reason not allowed under this Rule or fails to report to the Committee when required to do so, the player is disqualified.

5.7b What Players Must Do When Committee Suspends Play

There are two types of Committee suspensions of play, each with different requirements for when players must stop play.(1) Immediate Suspension (Such as When There Is Imminent Danger). If the Committee declares an immediate suspension of play, a player must not make another stroke until the Committee resumes play. The Committee should use a distinct method of telling players about an immediate suspension.(2) Normal Suspension (Such as for Darkness or Unplayable Course). If the Committee suspends play for normal reasons, what happens next depends on where each playing group is:

1. Between Two Holes. If all players in the group are between two holes, they must stop play and must not make a stroke to begin another hole until the Committee resumes play.
2. While Playing Hole. If any player in the group has started a hole, the players may choose either to stop play or to play out the hole.

1. The players are allowed a brief amount of time (which normally should be no more than two minutes) to decide whether to stop play or play out the hole.
2. If the players continue play of the hole, they may go on to complete the hole or may stop before completing the hole.
3. Once the players complete the hole or stop before completing the hole, they must not make another stroke until the Committee resumes play under Rule 5.7c.

If the players do not agree on what to do:

1. Match Play. If the opponent stops play, the player must also stop play and both players must not play again until the Committee resumes play. If the player does not stop play, the player gets the general penalty (loss of hole).
2. Stroke Play. Any player in the group may choose to stop play or go on to continue the hole, no matter what the others in the group decide to do, except that the player may continue play only if the player’s marker stays to keep the player’s score.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.7b: Disqualification. Exception – No Penalty If Committee Decides That Failure to Stop Was Justified: There is no breach of this Rule and no penalty if the Committee decides that circumstances justified the player’s failure to stop play when required to do so. (Recommended ways for Committee to indicate immediate and normal suspensions to players).

5.7c What Players Must Do When Play Resumes

(1) Where to Resume Play. A player must resume play from where they stopped play on a hole or, if between two holes, at the next teeing area, even if play is resumed on a later day. If a player resumes play from a different spot than where they stopped play, see Rules 6.1b and 14.7.(2) When to Resume Play. The player must be present at the location identified in (1) and ready to play:

1. At the time set by the Committee for play to resume, and
2. The player must resume play at (and not before) that time.

If the ability to resume play is delayed for any reason (such as when players in the group ahead need to play first and move out of the way), there is no breach of this Rule if the player is present and ready to play when the player’s group is able to resume play. Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.7c(2): Disqualification. Exceptions to Disqualification for Failure to Resume on Time: Exceptions 1, 2 and 3 in Rule 5.3a and the Exception to Rule 5.7b apply here as well.

5.7d Lifting Ball When Play Stops; Replacing and Substituting Ball When Play Resumes

(1) Lifting Ball When Play Stops or Before Play Resumes. When stopping play of a hole under this Rule, the player may mark the spot of their ball and lift the ball (see Rule 14.1).Either before or when play is resumed:

1. When Player’s Ball Was Lifted When Play Stopped. The player must replace the original ball or another ball on the original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
2. When Player’s Ball Was Not Lifted When Play Stopped. The player may play the ball as it lies, or may mark the spot of the ball, lift the ball (see Rule 14.1) and replace that ball or another ball on the original spot (see Rule 14.2).

In either case:

1. If the lie of the ball is altered as a result of lifting the ball, the player must replace that ball or another ball as required under Rule 14.2d.
2. If the lie of the ball is altered after the ball was lifted and before a ball is replaced, Rule 14.2d does not apply:

1. The original ball or another ball must be replaced on the original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
2. But if the lie or other conditions affecting the stroke were worsened during this time, Rule 8.1d applies.

(2) What to Do If Ball or Ball-Marker Is Moved While Play Stopped. If the player’s ball or ball-marker is moved in any way before play resumes (including by natural forces), the player must either:

1. Replace the original ball or another ball on the original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2), or
2. Place a ball-marker to mark that original spot, and then replace the original ball or another ball on that spot (see Rules 14.1 and 14.2).

If the player’s conditions affecting the stroke were worsened while play was stopped, see Rule 8.1d.Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 5.7d: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.

 

 

Quote of the Month

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

 

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