by SFT | May 14, 2025 | St Francis
This weekend, we will see 160 amateur ladies from around the country compete over 36 holes on our two wonderful courses in the Pam Golding Ladies Open.
This tournament’s huge growth is partly due to the substantially increased sponsorship provided by Pam Golding, anchor sponsor since 2006, joined this year by Albert Saunders Attorneys, Ooba Bond Originators, Cape St Francis Resort and Fitch & Leedes.
Saria Blaauw with the Pam Golding Ladies Open Trophy, at the Bay clubhouse
Dirk Ellis Volkswagen – Hole-in-One
To add to the thrill of the weekend, there will be a hole-in-one vehicle: a sleek Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW, valued at R380,000! This beauty will be parked at the 17th hole, and we’re all hoping that one lucky golfer can hit that perfect shot and drive away in style!
Saria Blaauw and Richard Arderne outside the Links with the hole-in-one prize
9-hole Par 3 Practice Round
The festivities kick off tomorrow with a par 3 – 9 Hole practice round at the stunning St Francis Links. This will allow our participants to warm up and get acquainted with the course before diving into the main event.
“Beat Saria” Competition
We’ll also host a fun-filled “Beat Saria” Competition! Our wonderful host for the weekend, from Pam Golding, Saria Blaauw, will take her shot from high up and onto the 18th green. Any golfer who can outdo her attempt will win a fantastic prize!
Saria and Links head pro, Norman Riley at the “Beat Saria” comp
Friday Evening at Full Stop Café
Featuring a wine-tasting experience, with Links Professional Norman Riley providing an overview of the event rules at the Full Stop Cafe.
The Serious Stuff
The tournament is a Better Ball Stableford, which in plain English means it’s played by teams of two players. On each hole, the best score of the two players counts in their overall tally. Golf starts at 11am on Saturday and 7.30am on Sunday. All players will play 18 holes on each course.
Saturday Evening’s themed party at Joe Fish
With the current renovations taking place at the Links clubhouse, this year’s party will be at Joe Fish. A fun beach theme will be in place to make it even more special. We look forward to seeing all our ladies get into the spirit with vibrant beach-themed vibes and outfits around the pool. Two Golf Professionals – Carel Tromp and Nazeem Goeda – will be the lifeguards – should any ladies have difficulty in the swimming pool!
Prize Giving Lunch
The event will conclude at the Bay with a delightful prize-giving lunch, during which Saria will be handing out prizes.
It’s sure to be a memorable end to an exciting weekend filled with competition and camaraderie.
Previous winners Carol Sharman and Lynda Mynhardt
Next Year
Says Jeff Clause: “We are already brainstorming ways to accommodate even more golfers, ensuring that this tournament continues to flourish. With our clubhouse repairs complete, when we are confident of hosting 200 ladies next year.”
Huge thanks to the organisers, especially Noelle Pearson, Sue Cogswell, Mickey Freund, Norman Riley, and Anzet Schoeman
Read more: Seal Point Boardriders Grom Comp and Lessons This Saturday
by SFT | May 14, 2025 | Seal Point Boardriders club, St Francis
Seal Point Boardriders Surf Club will hold a Grom Comp and surf lessons this Saturday, 17 May 2025. The grom session will run from 9 to 12, and entry is free for the groms. The Grom Comp and Surf Lessons are run by Lucky Fish
The Seal Point Boardriders Club consistently runs surf contests throughout the year to inspire our younger surfers, teach them about competitive surfing, and have a good time with their friends. The contests are fun events and social outings for the parents.
Billy’s Beach and Rotary Club Of St Francis
The Seal Point Boardriders Club has enjoyed tremendous support from Billy’s Beach and the Rotary Club Of St Francis. For the last two years, the Rotary Club Of St Francis has handed out donations to the club on behalf of Billy’s Beach. The funds have been used to purchase an EAD machine, for First Aid courses for members, and to help the club buy equipment to enable the contest to run smoothly. SPBRC is grateful for these generous donations.
Furthermore, local businesses, including The Bakery, The Brewery, Pig & Rooster, The Store, Full Stop Cafe, and many others, have also supported the events. They have helped to feed the hungry groms and supply them with wax, suncream, and other necessities.
What Are Groms, or Grommets?
Grom Definition by The Urban Dictionary
Surfer slang (although it also extends to other board sports and surf sports) for a young surfer. It can also be used to refer to children in general, although they usually have some association with surfing, etc.
Although the term usually has no ill meaning, it is often used to poke fun at younger surfers. It can sometimes be a derogatory term when younger surfers are annoying, bad, or otherwise problematic.
Also, It is frequently abbreviated to grom.
On a beach crowded with children: “Where did all the grommets come from?”
Read more: Big Changes Ahead For Twenty-Two Eatery and Legends in St Francis Bay
Read More: The Corner Cup Event – Exclusive Surf Contest At Seal Point Corner
by SFT | May 14, 2025 | Photo Of The Day, St Francis
Port Edward’s unusual claim to fame is the Red Desert, the Smallest Desert In The World .It lies some 10 kilometres west of the town and is only 200 m in diameter and 11 hectares in its entirety.
More here, – Red Desert
More Photos Of The Day here
by Craig Jarvis | May 14, 2025 | St Francis
Port Alfred, tucked between East London and Gqeberha on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast, is a laid-back coastal gem packed with adventure, charm, perfect waves and history. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or an extended holiday, there’s no shortage of cool experiences to enjoy.
Each April, the town comes alive during the Port Alfred Easter Festival. You can stroll through local craft markets, enjoy live music, and soak up the festive energy. The festival brings the community together and showcases the best of the region’s food, art, and sport. Good for those who want to compete and those who want to chill and have a few beer shandies.
Watch the Easter Surfing Events
As part of the Easter Festival, head down to East Beach and catch the Rip Curl GromSearch and Rip Curl Cup. These surfing events draw South Africa’s top up-and-coming surfers. Sit on the pier with a coffee or camera and enjoy some of the most exciting wave-riding action of the year.
Surf at East Beach
If you’re feeling inspired, and there are no contests on the go, grab a board and hit the water yourself. East Beach is known for its consistent right-hand break and sandy bottom, making it perfect for both seasoned surfers and beginners. Local surf schools offer gear rentals and lessons.
Stay at the Royal St Andrews Hotel
Treat yourself to a night or two at the Royal St Andrews Hotel. Its heritage charm, luxury rooms, world-class spa, and proximity to the beach and town make for a comfortable and elegant base.
Dine at The Highlander Restaurant
Within the Royal St Andrews Hotel, the Highlander exudes that classic pub atmosphere. Enjoy hearty meals, craft beers, and locally sourced produce—all in a cosy, welcoming setting and at good prices.
Explore the Kowie River by Boat
Hop on a boat cruise or paddle upriver in a kayak. The Kowie River winds through lush scenery and offers views of kingfishers, fish eagles, and even the occasional otter.
Relax on West Beach
For a more peaceful beach day, head to West Beach. It’s perfect for a family picnic, building sandcastles, or reading a book. When you’re done, head over to Guido’s, situated right there, for a delicious pizza and a few dops.
Play Golf at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club
Tee off on one of the country’s most scenic coastal courses. The wind and terrain make for a rewarding challenge, and the views are unbeatable.
Browse the Local Markets
Spend a morning wandering through Port Alfred’s markets. Pick up handmade crafts, homemade preserves, local art, and souvenirs that reflect the town’s coastal charm.
Unwind with a Spa Day
Whether staying at the Royal St Andrews or visiting for the day, book a massage or spa treatment at CSpa Wellness. The calm setting and expert therapists will leave you feeling recharged.
Attend Bands in the Bush
This music event, part of the Easter Festival, features top South African performers across genres. Enjoy live sets under the stars in a natural setting.
Hike the Coastal Trails
Put on your walking shoes and explore one of the nearby hiking trails. With indigenous bush, ocean vistas, and birdlife galore, these paths showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Eastern Cape.
Whether you’re after action or chill, Port Alfred delivers it all with small-town friendliness and natural beauty.
Read also: Big Changes Ahead For Twenty-Two Eatery and Legends in St Francis Bay
by SFT | May 14, 2025 | St Francis
We all love upgrades and improvements to places we already love. This will be the case when the new-look Twenty-Two Eatery opens its doors, while the new-look Legends bar is already open and rocking.
The official statement from the Twenty-Two Eatery Facebook Page is thus (with a few edits here and there by the editor)
Legends Sports Bar and Pizzeria
173 St Francis Drive (the old Twenty-Two Eatery premises) has officially become the home of Legends – Sports Bar & Pizzeria. With Nick Geerts and Richard Fulford now in partnership, Legends has been reborn bigger and better!
But don’t worry, this is not the end of Twenty-Two Eatery, but an exciting new beginning. Nick has bought Geesdrif, opposite the River Club, which will be the new home of Twenty-Two Eatery. We will reopen in the new venue next week Tuesday for dinner from 4pm.
Twenty-Two Eatery
We will transform the space into a country-style, family Italian restaurant. Nick is excited to experiment with the wood-fired oven and a new space where his culinary creativity can shine. You can expect Nick’s good, simple food, focusing on authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas and slow-roasted meats, to take us into winter. Think of cosy indoor seating, a kiddies’ play area, a wine shop, and live music under the trees.
We would be grateful for the support of our community, which has become like family. Over the next few days, we will post updates on the reopening.
Big Changes Ahead
The official opening of the new Twenty-Two Eatery will take place next Tuesday, and it promises to be an exciting event. Nick is planning some delightful food, drinks, and good times. It’s a relaxed and chilled environment, coupled with great food. So save the date next Tuesday, May 20th.
Co R330 and Oyster, Bay Rd, St Francis Bay, 6312 (the old Geesdrif).
Join us from 4 pm for welcome drinks, snacks, and live music with Simon Shaw under the trees in our beautiful new garden.
The energy is already electric, and we are so excited to share this new chapter with all of you.
Find out more on the Twenty-Two Eatery Facebook page here – Twenty-Two
Read more: Tsitsikamma Snow Dinosaur – photo of the day by Clive Wright Photography
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