Bolanders delight in R&A Rules Course

It took an elementary course in the rules of golf for Boland Golf Union president Johan Scholtz to finally concede that “you can teach an old dog tricks.”

Boland Golf Union hosted this year’s third R&A Level One Rules Course at De Zalze Golf Estate at the weekend and Scholtz was among the delegates who passed the course with flying colours.

“I was quite pleased to get 92% on exam with 92%,” Scholtz said. “Although it was an entry level course, I was amazed at how much I learned and got out of the course.

“This was true for most of the 30 delegates that attended the course and ranged from golfers to members of our executive who had yet not done the Rules to five ladies from Boland Ladies Golf.

“I was also very pleased that a large percentage of the participants were under 25 years old, which bodes well for the sport. The overall feedback was extremely positive and complimentary.

“In fact, most of the participants just wanted to know when we are hosting the Level Two Course.”

South African Golf Association Assistant Executive Director, Neil Homann, presented the course that forms part of the R&A’s Three-tiered Rules Education Programme.

“The course has a theoretical section, followed by a practical application of the rules,” Scholtz explained. “The material covered the basic rules and etiquette and the situations that most frequently arise on the golf course.

“The course was highly informative and Neil created a friendly atmosphere that put everyone at ease. It was good to see all the delegates participate and share in the experience.”

The South African Golf Association will present three more R&A Level One Rules Courses this year.

“Border Golf Union will host the next course at East London Golf Club on 25 October and Central Gauteng Union will host two course at Randpark Golf Club on 31 October and 1 November,” Homann said.

“Gauteng North Golf Union will host their course at Pretoria Country Club on 8 November. We also have courses planned for the early next year.

“The registration forms and details are available for download on the South African Golf Association website at www.saga.co.za.”

Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.