Lady Captain's Report

What a year it has been for our Ladies Section - action packed, full of spirit and brimming with memorable moments both on and off the course.  We’ve welcomed some fabulous new “young blood” into the fold  keeping us more mature ladies young at heart.

We have 100 lady members and 24 are actively swinging their clubs, and we’re still working on tempting a few more onto the course.  Once they’ve played it they will wonder why they never started playing sooner. Gowrie Farm is a great course to cut your teeth on. Thereafter, nothing can scare you!

Sadly, we also had to take a moment to pause this year.  We bid farewell to two extraordinary people.

Phil Simmons – a giant and driving force who put ladies’ golf onto an onward-and-upward trajectory, leaves behind a legacy that will never fade.

Lauraine Bryciewitz, at the age of 84, was still gracing the course just three weeks before her passing – a humble, gracious inspiration to us all.

Both are deeply missed, yet their spirit lingers still.

Our course is looking magnificent thanks to Matt and his team, who have coaxed the course to show off.

And Jono?  Well, he’s been more than par for the course. No request is too big and no challenge unsolved. His coaching sessions, including  pre-league coaching, have not only sharpened the ladies skills but also boosted our confidence (and competitive spirit!) enormously.

Speaking of League - champions at last! What began as edge-of-the-seat league golf has ended in triumph. Congratulations to our Gowrie Farm Ladies on winning the 2025 Ladies League – a remarkable achievement that reflects not only skill and commitment, but also the spirit, camaraderie and passion you bring to our club. You’ve done Gowrie Farm proud.

August also saw Gowrie Farm host the Senior Midlands Champs, drawing strong support from the Durban’s ladies.

Our Gowrie Ladies Yellowstone Festival, held on the 27th and 28th of August 2025, was a resounding success! The festival attracted 108 entrants, with 75 ladies travelling from Gauteng, the North and South Coast, Upper Highway, and even Cape Town. Local businesses and individuals were exceptionally generous in their sponsorships, helping to ensure this event is now firmly inked into everyone’s annual golfing diary.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

______

Holes-in-One:

Caroline Osburn-Carter (Gowrie 2nd)

Missy Hughes

Darryl Fainsinger (Mooi River 6th)

Eagle:

Wilna Du Plessis (Gowrie 1st)

Club Champs:

Missy Hughes (Overall winner)

Pat Van Eyk (Bronze Div)

Northern Region Champs:

Leigh Beckerling – Best Net in both Seniors and Bronze Div

Seniors Nationals:

Deidre Clarke – Division winner

Seniors Champs:

Nicola Frickel – Copper Division winner

Colleen Franklin – runner up

Wilna Du Plessis – Bronze Division winner

______

While we take pride in every golfing achievement, I believe our greatest trophy is one we already hold – the friendship, laughter and unshakable spirit that makes this group an absolute joy to captain. 

 

Deidre Clarke