As the curtain is drawn on 2018, it is time to reflect on the year that was. A year of challenges, excitement and most importantly the continued growth of the South African Disabled Golf Association.
The start of 2018 saw the NOMADs FSP Coaches workshop take place – an integral part of growing and learning the program for an incredible team of FSP coaches.
Our annual Provincial Challenge was held at Magalies Park. This year’s edition went down to the wire as Western Province claimed victory on the final hole. Western Province’s title-defence is fast approaching – the Western Province, Gauteng and Rocs teams will be determined off the National Ranking on the 1st of January 2019 before the men from the Cape defend their title at Magalies Park Golf Club from 1-4 March 2019.
A cornerstone of the SADGA’s continued growth is the staging of countrywide Monthly Provincial Days. The growth of the Gauteng provincial days has been particularly pleasing and sincere thanks must go to Johan Du Plooy, Jodi Schultz and Karen Van Huysten for playing such integral roles in ensuring the days are well run.
The KZN Golf Union’s contribution too has been invaluable. The union has stuck by disabled golf in spite of the economic uncertainty which continues to adversely affect much of the country. After providing the SADGA with its full support at the beginning of the year, KZNGU very generously donated a further R75 000 to be put towards various projects in the area.
The Western Province Golf Union too have ensured disabled golf in their region continues to thrive through their monthly contributions. To the Southern Cape Golf Union and our FSP coach Carlo Kok for all your efforts which help to keep our program in George going, thank you for everything. Finally to the Central Gauteng Golf Union for helping to get the FSP to the IPTs.
A massive thank you must go to all golf courses around the country who hosted provincial days in 2018 and for your support of disabled golf in South Africa, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
The Canon South Africa Disabled Golf Open was once again a resounding success. England’s Mike Browne beat the rest of the 71-strong field to the title to strengthen the international grip on the event in recent times. We are delighted that Mike has committed to defend his title and look forward to welcoming him to the event which takes place from 12-17 May 2019. We as an association are relishing our return to Magalies Park Golf Club and are looking forward to the hospitality of the course staff and Pica Pau restaurant which is always out of the top drawer.
The staging of various Festival Weeks across the country throughout the year are tremendous vehicles for raising the profile of disabled golf while also raising much needed funds for the association. Thanks to our homes of disabled golf for hosting these events – Zwartkop Country Club , King David Mowbray GC & Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate in KZN as well as our special title sponsors of the day – Watches Unlimited, Nedbank, Nooitgedacht Village Wine Estate and Ruck & Maul Mall Museum and Maccabi.
To our dear SADGA member Oupa and Volkswagen for sponsoring our Vwsa Caddy, we cannot thank you enough for aiding the safe transport of our golfers.
2018 hasn’t been without its share of challenges, however, and we are grateful to King David Mowbray Golf Club for standing by us during some rocky periods by offering great rental rates for our office space. To Cameron and his staff for allowing our FSP golfers use of the practice facilities, golf course and offering work shadowing for the Elite Squad to learn the industry. To the kitchen – thanks for serving such delicious meals to us all, your efforts are much appreciated.
The final week of November saw the 2018 Canon SA Deaf Junior Interprovincial take place at Magalies Park Golf Club. The three-day, 27-hole event was a tightly contested affair with some great golf played. It gives us great pleasure that six of the Rookies who participated have graduated to the FSP Elite squad and will be making their debuts in the Canon SA Disabled Golf Open next year.
The success of an association such as ours isn’t possible without the support of sponsors wishing to positively impact the lives of our members. Canon South Africa’s support of the SADGA has been immense and unwavering over the years and this year was no different. Canon’s support in a number of areas has allowed us to go from strength to strength in 2018 and for that we thank you very much.
2018 has also seen the SADGA form two exciting partnerships.
The SADGA’s partnership with GolfRSA has been incredibly beneficial in recent months from both an exposure and financial point of view and we are excited about the continuation of the partnership in 2019. The SADGA has also been accepted into the European Disabled Golf Association which is something we as an association are thrilled about.
As 2019 beckons, we are excited for what the new year has in store. Two of our FSP Elite squad members, Daren Hanekom and Charles Williams will be starting their PGA of South Africa studies, an exciting prospect for these two fantastic guys. Our thanks to the PGA of SA and the R&A for their support. We are also looking forward to re-starting our Program in certain schools after a year of financial difficulty.
Moreover, thanks to the continued support and generosity of our patron Dale HayesHayes, a new deaf school will be opening next year in Pretoria.
Also exciting is RP Moodley in KZN will be receiving their own modified indoor golf environment and this, along with fantastic outdoor equipment for our regions will aid the coaches in their bid to take the FSP golfers’ games to the next level.
On behalf of the SADGA Chairman & Directors, Staff & Coaches we wish you all the best for the upcoming festivities and thank you for all for your support and wish you the best for the coming year 2019.
Kind regards,
Lily Reich
SADGA Operations Manager
Please note our offices will be closed until the 7th January 2019

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