It is with sadness that we report the passing away of Arthur Barnard of Wingate Park Country Club during the night of 3/4 November, at the age of 87.

Arthur had served the Union since 1989, when he first started representing Wingate Park CC as their Delegate, and then from 1991 – 2005 as a Member of The Executive Committee. As Secretary of The Union he was instrumental in instilling a thorough sense of corporate governance in the workings of the Union, and he will especially be remembered as the compiler of our Constitution, and the subsequent changes that were made to it when Women’s- and Junior Golf were integrated into the Union.

Our sympathies go out to Linda and the children, Alan and Linda, and his three grandchildren. We would like to assure them that Arthur will always be remembered for his wonderful contributions to golf and this Union, and we thank them for the support given to him during those times.

The GNGU Inter-Club competition has been contested annually for more than a century. It is a friendly, but fierce competition between clubs in a four-ball alliance format. The GNGU executive use this opportunity not only to network and discuss relevant matters in an informal manner, but also to bring thanks to the people who work for the clubs in the Union. Traditionally invitations were sent to the Club Manager, the Club Captain, the Green-keeper and to the local Professional of each club. Over time however the game of golf and specifically how it is managed at club level has changed. Designations like Golf Director, Operations Manager, Events Manager and many other are now commonplace in the golf industry. The result is that Clubs send the most influential people to attend and mingle in this flagship event.

This year’s edition was hosted by Blue Valley Golf and Country Club and our hosts took full advantage of their home course to win the day on 92 points. Second was the team of Akasia Country Club followed closely by Hillside Golf Club.

Tom & Thea Nel with Pat Roets

“Presented by the Sunnyside – Pretoria Golf Clubs 1902 – 1911 for competition by golf clubs in the Magisterial are of Pretoria of 1911”

This is the inscription found on what is today commonly referred to as the Coronation Cup. The Coronation Cup is contested annually in a Mixed Better-Ball competition over 18 Holes. Last year the event was hosted by Waterkloof GC, but this year’s edition was held at Blue Valley Golf and Country Club.

This year the winners were Tom and Thea Nel on a spectacular 45 points. Considering how difficult the conditions were they are worthy winners. Continue reading →

Etienne Janse van Rensburg and President of the GNGU, Johan Struwig

Etienne Janse van Rensburg has added his name to the Silver Salver Trophy. He joins the likes of Hugh Baiocchi, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in lifting this illustrious trophy.

The Akasia member has walked deep steps in the GNGU Junior set-up during 2015 averaging 71.75 on the Domestic Order of Merit. He also received recognition during the GNGU Junior awards dinner for: SA Boys u/19, most tournaments played u/19 and two or more tournament wins (gross).

He was also automatically selected (based on his position on the Domestic Order of Merrit) for the u/19 Inter-Provincial Tournament to be held late in December at Worcester Golf Club

Etienne carded superb rounds of 70 and 67 to end two clear of McLachlan and Sinclair. He was drawn in the dawn patrol spot teeing off first at 06h30.  Not feeling any scoreboard pressure he kept his fellow u/19 IPT team mates in the form of Keegan and Rosswell at bay who ended joint second on 139. (5 under par)

A special mention has to go to our main sponsor PricewaterhouseCoopers for their generous and continued support of the event. PwC has been sponsoring the event for a number of years and the tournament has become synonymous with the brand. This tournament would simply not be possible without their continued support.

James du Preez, for all your assistance and unwavering support to the Gauteng North Golf Union please accept our sincerest gratitude.

PORT ELIZABETH, 23 October 2015 – David Konzani claimed the Indwe Risk Services SA Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship in swashbuckling style at Humewood Golf Club on Friday.

Having gained a considerable advantage earlier rounds of 67, 70 and 74, the 55-year-old Port Elizabeth golfer continued in the same vein in the final round to score a runaway 12-shot victory at his home course.

Showing no sign of nerves, Konzani overcame a stumble around the turn with a hat-trick of birdies down the straight to post a joint best-of-the-day one under 71.

His wire-to-wire victory at six-under-par 282 left him well clear of second-placed Brian Mamphies from Parow Golf Club, who closed with a 75, while William Skinner and 2014 champion Mellette Hendrikse from Gauteng North finished third on 295 with respective rounds of 72 and 71. Continue reading →

NAIROBI, Kenya (14 October 2015) – Gauteng North’s Jason Smith, Border natives Jade Buitendag and Andre Nel and Aubrey Beckley from North West mounted a spirited final round challenge to chase down South Africa’s third successive title and eighth victory in the Africa Amateur Golf Team Championship in Kenya on Thursday. Continue reading →