‘Golf by numbers’ presented at Fancourt Links

I was among a group of complete "newbies" who were introduced to a few insider secrets of golf at Fancourt recently. Including a handful of experienced players, about a dozen women gathered at the Academy course at The Links.

From a rather subdued start, it only took a few minutes for enthusiasm to start bubbling and a fun afternoon followed despite the icy wind.

After getting to grips with the necessary clubs, everyone got a chance to practise putting, chipping and the full swing.

At each discipline there was a five-minute introduction, followed by a 20-minute practice, before we applied our skills on the Academy course.

"Golf is a sport that takes time and women sometimes wonder what the fascination of the game is for their menfolk. We hoped to give a few answers this afternoon and also to cultivate wider interest in the game," said Sonja Bland, one of the Southern Cape's most successful women golfers.

Bland and Val

Holland, director at the Kingswood Golf Course in George, along with several other coaches, were generous with their time and advice. Impromptu mentors also emerged from the experienced players, proving how much fun the social game can be.

And how did I find the game itself and that little round ball?

Precisely what you make of it.

You can become frustrated and hate the whole thing, or have good fun - provided your fellow players will turn a blind eye to the freshies!

In true tradition of an afternoon on the golf course, a few formal prizes as well as surprises were handed out.

After getting to grips with the necessary clubs, everyone got a chance to practise putting, chipping and the full swing.