The 19th Hole

By Ben Burger

Once again it was epic! The second annual 41er Association of Southern Africa Golf Tour was hosted in Stellenbosch at the end of March.

Past RTSA and RTI President Rikus “Running Bare” Badenhorst and past RTSA President Stuart Hunter were the conveners of the golf tour and like last year, the entire weekend was like hitting a hole in one on a Par 5 – absolute magic!

Attended by 12 golfers (and I am using the term very loosely) including two internationals and two non-playing bar cart drivers, everyone agreed that it was an unforgettable weekend of fun and fellowship where long-standing friendships were renewed, and new friendships cemented.

It started on the Thursday with a welcoming party where everyone received his tournament shirt and long walks down memory lane over a glass or two of wine was at the order of the evening.

On Friday morning – with dark clouds threatening to derail the day’s golf – everyone was in good spirits and ready to tee of at Stellenbosch Golf Club. With a slight chill in the air, the first four-ball started proceedings.

After about an hour or so, the dark clouds made way for blue skies and sun and the weather turned into perfect golf weather. Unfortunately, not even the best golfing weather could help some players get the ball past the ladies tee, but it is not about the winning, it is about the taking part…

The day was ended at the 19th hole with great food, fellowship and fun.

Day 2 started with even darker clouds over Stellenbosch and as everyone made their way to Stellenbosch Golf Club for the 3rd Exec meeting of the 41ers Association, the heavens opened.

The second round of golf, this time at neighbouring De Zalze Golf Club, due to start after the meeting, was in serious jeopardy due to the bad weather.

The merry band of golfers were however not going to let any amount of torrential rain ruin their second round and so they teed off just before noon in miserable weather. Unfortunately for the players, the bar cart was not equipped to go out in the rain (which was the official version of the story), so it had to remain at the 19th hole with two very disappointed bar cart drivers who could not provide their essential service to players on the course.

So, after 18 very wet holes, the players headed for the change room and after a warm shower and dry clothes everyone was ready for more fellowship and the prize-giving at the Stellenbosch Golf Club, which was the headquarters of the golf tour.

Winner of the inaugural event in George in 2022, Peter Harding (past 41er President) could not defend his title and Rikus “Running Bare” Badenhorst was crowned as the winner.

Everyone agreed that the second annual 41er Golf Tour was amazing and that this event is a must for every 41er, even if you are not a golfer.

The third annual 41er Golf Tour will be hosted by the Johannesburg 41ers next year, so start cleaning those golf clubs as this also promises to be an unmissable event.