Milnerton Golf Club tees off centenary week

Loud laughter and the clinking of glasses echoed through the corridors of the Milnerton Golf Club’s function room, marking the beginning of its centenary festivities, which will run throughout this week until Sunday, November 9.

The event held last night, Tuesday, November 4, was a prize-giving evening, during which the top 30 tournament winners were announced.

They received prizes from sponsors, and the first-place winners, Lorette Hegie and Richard Ward, each won a vacuum cleaner and a personalised glass trophy.

Steve van Rooyen and the club’s lady captain, Karien van Rooyen, came in second place.

Tanya Williams and Lawrence Fourie took third place.

The club also managed to raise R50,000 for Malachi Place of Safety, a non-profit organisation in Richwood. Following an auction at the event, an additional R13,000 was raised for the organisation.

Founders Audrey and Ruan Brummer were speechless when they received the news of the donation and thanked all players and sponsors for their contributions.

About a month ago, Tabletalk caught up with Milnerton Golf Links Club NPO’s general manager and longtime member, Mark Schacht, who shared the rich history of the club and spoke about the golfing championships the club once hosted, attracting champions such as Gary Player, Nick Price, Mark McNulty, Tony Johnstone, and Dale Hayes (“Milnerton Golf Club turns 100,” Monday, October 6, Tabletalk).

At the event last night, we spoke to one of the oldest playing members, Mr Nathan Yamey.

He joined the club on Friday, September 1, 1966, with unbroken membership.

He said: “My fondest memories of days gone by are as follows. How many club golfers can say that their partner on their home course was a gentleman who held nine majors on the regular tournament circuit and nine majors on the seniors tour? I am referring to Mr Gary Player.”

“Mr Player, however, is not my hero. My hero is Mr Bokkie Thompson, who is 93 years old and still plays three times a week. That is a hero,” he said.

The club’s lady captain, Karien van Rooyen, said the club has always had spectacular camaraderie, and it is where she has made friends for a lifetime, especially on a Tuesday with the ‘Tuesday Ladies Club.’

President of the club, Peter Pretorius, said being part of the centenary milestone is just “fantastic.

He said the loyal members, community, and supporters are excited about being part of the celebration, as many may never be part of the 200th anniversary.

“We look forward to staying here for the next 100 years, if the ocean doesn’t come and take us away,” he said.