Golf day aids Knysna Rotary Club
When almost 20 years ago Jeff Clause, the then director of golf at what used to be known as Sparrebosch Golf Estate in Knysna, approached Rotarian Des Wearne and suggested that the course become part of Knysna Rotary’s fledgeling fundraising efforts at Knysna Golf Club, little did either envisage how this venture would develop.
Initially, Clause, son of a Rotarian from Jefferson, Iowa in the US, was able to offer the course and carts free of charge on a Sunday out of season.
Rotarian Peter Klews wrote to all 65 Rotary Clubs (RC) in the district inviting support for this fundraiser.
In 2001 the president of RC Bredasdorp, Nico du Plessis, brought 12 golfers. Du Plessis also publicised the fundraising weekend through Sages Senior Golf in the Overberg region and numbers began to increase. Sparrebosch was renamed Pezula and in 2007, Sesel Hartshorne took over the management as Klews became club president. She took the event to another level. Simola Golf Estate was added on a Sunday and alternated with Pezula.
Numbers increased every year and to cater for the increase in 2008, Simola was introduced on Friday. With Knysna Golf Club on Saturdays and Pezula on Sunday, it became known as the Rotary Knysna Charity Golf Event. Hartshorne negotiated special accommodation, wellness packages and organised non-golfing activities, which encouraged golfers to bring their partners. Soon it became necessary to play both Pezula and Simola on Friday and Sunday.
Pinnacle Point was brought into the event on Thursdays and in 2014 Goose Valley in Plettenberg Bay was offered on Saturday to ease congestion at Knysna Golf Club. Henry Fairweather took over the management in 2016 and has been very successful in growing the revenue.
The number of visiting golfers has risen to 200 and has levelled out there. Each plays just over three rounds. This has led to the event, which runs over four days at the end of May, becoming the second-largest fundraiser for RC Knysna after the Rotary Cycle Tour staged during the annual Knysna Oyster Festival in June/July, and it contributes to the economy of Knysna during the off-season.
It should also be noted that many Knysna businesses contribute to the earnings by advertising during the event.
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News