info@sadga.co.za
End of Year Message
Dear Members, Sponsors and Friends of the SADGA
As 2021 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on what was a whirlwind but tremendously successful year on a number of fronts.
Life as we knew it has been drastically altered by the advent of Covid-19. The pandemic allowed us to usher in a new era for competitive disabled golf, though. The restructure of the Canon SA Disabled Open into the Canon Open Series was certainly unchartered territory for both organisers and players. The general sentiment is that it proved to be a resounding success. Rather than having a single event to look forward to, the Open Series offered the players multiple playing opportunities and for many – the convenience of being part of the Open Series – by playing a regional open in their home province. In Robin Singh (Physically-Disabled Strokeplay), Yolandi Magatye (Physically-Disabled Stableford), Charles Williams (Deaf Strokeplay) and Shanon Van der Berg (Deaf Stableford), we crowned four great champions. With so many positives having come out of the series, the SADGA is looking to retain the Open Series format in 2022.
I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Canon South Africa for the considerable suport they have given to the SADGA as title sponsor of the SA Disabled Open and Open Series over the past four years. Canon’s sponsorship has entrenched our local events among the best disabled golf events in the world which is a source of pride for everyone at the SADGA. On behalf of everyone at the SADGA, I’d like to say how grateful I am to Canon South Africa for their commitment to disabled golf over the years.
The Canon Open Series also offered many of our First Swing Program golfers the opportunity to gain some valuable competitive experience. The highlight of their presence throughout the Canon Open Series was undoubtedly Sisa Nkomo’s victory in the Deaf Stableford division of the Cape Town Disabled Open hosted by the City of of Cape Town. That said, all of our FSP participants should be commended for giving great accounts of themselves and for playing the game in a fantastic spirit which is a testament to the fine work our FSP coaches have done not only in 2021 but in past years as well.
I’d like to say a massive thank you to our FSP coaches for their commitment to the children they coach. Covid restrictions presented our coaches with a number of logistical issues during the course of the year but they dug deep and ensured that their players enjoyed their golf and took their games to the next level.
In recent weeks, there have also been some exciting developments at two of our First Swing Program schools. A fantastic outdoor putting green was opened at West Rand school in Johannesburg while a golf net will be installed at Dominican School For the Deaf early next year.
The practice putting green at West Rand was made possible by the generous contribution of the Central Gauteng Golf Union. SADGA patron Dale Hayes was integral to sourcing the net at an affordable price – the cost of which will be covered by Western Province Golf.
The SADGA is grateful to have enjoyed the longtime support of some fantastic organisations. To Volkswagen South Africa, we can’t thank you enough for very kindly providing us with another Volkswagen Caddy and for the terrific support leant to the association. SADGA staff and players alike travelled to each of the Canon Open Series in our trusty Volkswagen Caddy and it gives us great peace of mind knowing that we’re using such safe and reliable vvehicles.
The support of the golf unions in the different provinces has been key to sustaining disabled golf in the various regions.
As the year winds down, I’d just like to wish everyone a happy, safe and enjoyable festive season and encourage you all to cherish the time with your loved ones.
Wear your marks, wash your hands and above all rest up ahead of what promises to be an exciting and prosperous 2022 for the South African Disabled Golf Association.
Our offices will be closed from the 15th of December till the 5th of January.
Thank you to our loyal sponsors and supporters – we appreciate the immense impact you have had on disabled golf in South Africa.
GolfRSA
Volkswagen South Africa
NOMADs
Canon South Africa
King David Sports Trust
KZN Golf Union
Western Province Golf
Southern Cape Golf Union
Gauteng North Golf Union
Central Gauteng Golf Union
Boland Golf Union
City of Cape Town
KZN Department of Sports & Recreation
The R&A
NewsClip
Patron Dale Hayes
Homes of Disabled Golf: King David Mowbray, Mount Edgecombe Country Club, Zwartkop Country Club.
Finally, thank you very much for all of the incredibly generous private donations we received during the course of the year – your generosity means a lot to all of us at the SADGA.
Yours Sincerely,
Enver Hassen
SADGA Chairman of the Board
