Golf Newsletter | 9 May 2025

Dear Members,
 
I trust this message finds you well. I’m pleased to share some exciting updates and developments within the club as we strive to enhance your golfing experience.
 
New AI Scoring System Implementation
We are in the process of transitioning to a new scoring system powered by AI technology. This system will include updated scorecards specifically designed for competitions, aimed at making setup more efficient and delivering faster, more accurate results. We believe this step will modernise our operations and offer a smoother experience for players and organisers alike.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Thys Lourens, our previous scoring system administrator and handicapper, for his incredible support over the past year and a half. Thy’s dedication and hard work have been invaluable to the club, and we are deeply grateful for his efforts. It’s important to note that this change is not due to any shortcomings in his system. Rather, we are exploring new technological options with one of our members, Leon Smith, who will be working closely with me and our Vice-Captain, Iain Pepper, on the new scoring processes.
 
Halfway House Proceedings – Meals and Pre-Order Initiative
On a second note, we are very encouraged by the progress made by Carl, our General Manager, and HOA in collaboration with the Golf Department regarding the halfway house changes. We are aiming to implement this system by the end of May.
 
As part of this initiative, we will be introducing five preset menu options, available for pre-order at Hole 8 via our half-house radio attendant. These orders will be promptly communicated to the kitchen. The goal is to ensure that by the time you complete Hole 9, your meal will be ready and waiting for you on the deck outside, enhancing both convenience and enjoyment during your game.
 
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.
 
Best regards,
Quintin Byleveldt,
Director of Golf

Weather Ready

There is probably no other sport affected more so by weather than golf. Wind, rain, drought, and temperature extremes impact how your ball flies in the air and bounces and rolls on the turf. Golf course superintendents strive to maintain resilient surfaces that provide consistent playing conditions despite changes in the weather. For instance, aeration and topdressing programs help soils drain to minimise the impact of rain, causing soft conditions. Other projects, such as improving drainage, removing trees to enhance growing environments, rebuilding failing greens, establishing stress-tolerant grasses or renovating poor-performing bunkers, are completed to achieve better playing conditions in spite of the weather. Courses will also install cart paths to keep the golf course accessible in the event of bad weather.

Despite these efforts, climate and weather continue to influence the game. For example, the moderating impacts of ocean temperatures can make coastal golf courses play and perform differently from their inland neighbours. This is especially evident when cold ocean temperatures cool the air and produce fog that slows turf growth. A carefully planned maintenance program may help to reduce the impact of cool coastal temperatures, but not until water temperatures warm will coastal golf courses perform similarly to their inland neighbours.

The obvious effects of severe weather are easy to understand, but subtle or indirect weather impacts often are more confusing and frustrating. The lack of adequate sunlight associated with extended periods of overcast, cloudy weather can impact the growth and vigour of warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass. On the other hand, elevated temperatures and high humidity can be detrimental to cool-season grasses like bentgrass. The cumulative effects of adverse weather conditions will influence maintenance and playing conditions. Bad weather impacts are never welcome but are sometimes unavoidable despite the best efforts to create resilient playing surfaces.

Weather that affects golf courses the most often occurs when golfers are nowhere to be found. This is certainly the case with cold temperature injury during winter. Flash freezes, freeze and thaw cycles and ice formation often cannot be managed and can bring about catastrophic turf damage. Unfortunately, the damage that appears come springtime can be very disappointing and difficult for golfers to accept.

The weather will continue to affect our game as long as we play golf outdoors. Even as our ability to forecast weather improves and regardless of fast-draining surfaces and more resilient grasses, there will always be times when course conditions are at the mercy of the weather, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. As Mark Twain once said, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” Perhaps it is time we, as golfers, strive to become more weather-ready and appreciate nature’s subtle – and sometimes sublime – influence on the game we love.

For USGA by Jim Skorulski, agronomist, Northeast Region

Dear Ladies,

Congratulations to Cheryl Pepper, winner of the IPS competition with a fantastic 36 points! In second place was Suzette van Schalkwyk with a solid 33 points – well played, ladies! Suzette also claimed Nearest the Pin on the 13th – great job!

We’re thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our Bunnies programme, and we’re sure they’re going to enjoy their first lesson this week.

Next week is shaping up to be a busy one:

• All three League teams will be playing at home – good luck to everyone!
• Wednesday brings the Business League, and on Thursday, we’re off to Mossel Bay to play MossPinn.

That’s a lot of golf coming up – enjoy the weekend and play well!
 
Gesi Graham
Ladies Captain

Ladies May Calendar

Monday 12 – League – PP1, PP2, Bronze home
Tuesday 13 – Betterball
Wednesday 14 – Business League
Thursday 15 – MossPinn away
Monday 19 – League – PP2, Bronze away
Tuesday 20 – IPS Comp, George Open
Thursday 22 – Oupinn away
Monday 26 – League – PP1 away
Tuesday 27 – Alliance Comp

Saturday Captains Competition Medal – 3 May 2025 Results

Thank you to all of the players who joined in another fantastic Saturday competition. Congratulations to all the winners!

Top Five Performances:

1. Morne Vletter 75
2. William Taute 75
3. Shaun Twigge Jnr 76
4. Jacques Wickens 76  
5. Henco Marais 79

Pam Golding Sponsored Members Wednesday Competition – Wednesday 7 May 2025

Congratulations to all our Pam Golding Sponsored Competition winners!

Top Five Performances:

1. Michael Wentworth and Ignus du Preez – 44 (won on last 9 holes)
2. Greg Heuer and Deon de Villiers – 44
3. Heinz Meisen and Renate Becher-Meisen – 42 (won on last 9 holes)
4. Justin van Alphen and David Johnstone – 42 (won on last 9 holes)
5. Adriaan van Wyk and Markus Smal – 42

Nearest the Pin Winners:

Gents:

• Hole 09 – Justin van Alphen
• Hole 13 – Dawie Louw

Ladies:

• Hole 17 – Monica Steyn

Lucky Draw Winner:

• André Steyn.

Schedule for May 2025

• May 7th: Wednesday Competition (Betterball) – Sponsored by Palm Golding
• May 10th: Saturday Competition (Alternative Formats) – Sponsored by Investec
• May 14th: Business League (Alternative Formats) – Sponsored by PSG Wealth
• May 18th: Sunday Mixed Competition (Alternative Formats) – Sponsored by Pepson Plastics
• May 21st: Wednesday Competition (Alternative Formats) – Sponsored by Investec
• May 24th: Saturday Competition  
• May 28th: Wednesday Competition ( IPS ) Sponsored by Ford Mossel Bay

Congratulations to the Pinnacle Point Stalwarts!

A big round of applause to Deon de Villiers, Greg Heuer, and the entire Southern Cape Team for being crowned B Section Super Senior Champions at the 2025 SA Senior Inter-Provincial Tournament held at Vaal de Grace!

Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we’re proud to see you now heading to the A Section next year. Well done, gentlemen – a superb achievement!

League Log Update – Round 2 Complete!

Round 2 of the SCGU League wrapped up on May 3rd, 2025, and the updated League Log is now available. Were delighted to announce that Pinnacle Point is at the top of the standings! Be sure to tune in next week as we progress to the next round.

Pinnacle Point Estate 2004

A Conservation Success Story

 Once a derelict sewage treatment site overrun by invasive vegetation, Pinnacle Point has been transformed into a thriving coastal landscape, now surrounded by restored fynbos – one of the world’s most ecologically unique biomes.
 
Fynbos, a key part of South Africa’s natural heritage, is renowned for its extraordinary plant diversity. With over 9,000 flowering species – 70% found nowhere else – it showcases remarkable resilience, thriving in nutrient-poor soils and regenerating after fire. Located within this biome, Pinnacle Point Estate was once heavily infested with invasive plants. Thanks to major rehabilitation efforts, most have been removed, though ongoing management is needed due to persistent seed banks. The estate features primarily Canca Limestone Fynbos, with Cape Milkwood forests in the valleys, Groot Brak Dune Strandveld along the coast, and some North Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos. Botanist Jan Vlok notes the vegetation more closely aligns with Albertinia Sand Fynbos, a distinctive local subtype. The Groot Brak Dune Strandveld is a nationally threatened ecosystem, protected under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. Any development within it is tightly regulated.

Pinnacle Point is also home to rare and endangered species, including the critically endangered Diosma aristata (also known as the Mossel Bay buchu), now found only in fragmented patches. The endangered Lampranthus diutinus (brightfig) and Drosanthemum lavisiae (bergvygie) are also found here. Beyond its flora, the estate serves as a vital ecological corridor, supporting wildlife movement between inland, coastal, and marine habitats – enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
 
Pinnacle Point’s restored landscape is not only visually striking, but ecologically significant. Continued stewardship will be key to preserving its biodiversity and national conservation value.

Meet Stinger GC — not just champions on the LIV Golf Tour, but champions for humanity. Through the Stinger GC Foundation, our four powerhouse players — Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester — are taking their impact beyond the fairways and into the hearts of communities across South Africa and beyond.

Built on the legacy of Louis Oosthuizen’s LOUIS57 Foundation, the Stinger GC Foundation brings together our players’ individual charitable passions under one unified banner — creating a purpose-driven movement that’s changing lives.
 
Our Vision: To inspire hope, opportunity, and positive change through the power of golf and philanthropy.
Our Mission: From feeding programs and junior golf development to supporting children with autism, Down syndrome, and cancer, we are committed to compassion, growth, fun, and sustainability.
 
Stinger GC Foundation is here to drive impact where it’s needed most. Join us in building a brighter future — one swing, one child, one life at a time.

We’re always working to make our shop better for golf lovers like you – and your voice plays a big part in that. Stay tuned for new products, special offers, and upcoming events. Please complete our survey below.

“Limitless & wild, the ocean reminds us how small we are – but also how connected we are to something vast & powerful.”
 Photo: Eden Bay, Pinnacle Point Estate.

We are delighted to announce that Pinnacle Point has been nominated for three prestigious awards by The World Golf Awards 2025:

South Africa’s Best Golf Course, Africa’s Best Golf Course & The World’s Best Golf Course!

This recognition from the World Golf Awards, the leading authority in golf tourism, is a true testament to the exceptional experience Pinnacle Point offers. Now, we have the incredible opportunity to be crowned the World’s Best Golf Course – and we need your support! Every vote counts, & with your help, we can achieve this remarkable milestone.

Please take a moment to vote for us:

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being part of our journey.

Want to feel more confident on the course & enjoy the game with others?
 
Join Coach Ben du Toit for relaxed, skill-building golf sessions designed to help you play better & feel at ease. As your confidence grows, so does your opportunity to connect with fellow golf lovers & build lasting friendships on the fairway.
 
WhatsApp: 071 194 5326