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The ladies’ Inter Club competition, held in early October, was filled with excitement, not only for the tournament itself but for the deep camaraderie that golf fosters among women.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy as players reconnected, networked, and supported each other. This iconic annual event, with a legacy of 50 years, once again brought together women golfers from across KwaZulu-Natal, fuelling enthusiasm for the sport and inspiring more women to join clubs throughout the region. Held at Richards Bay Country Club, this year’s competition gathered 172 players from 25 clubs, all united by a shared love for the game and a commitment to its growth. It was a celebration of the friendship and passion that lie at the heart of women’s golf.
Richards Bay Country Club (RBCC) pulled out all the stops this year, with impressive improvements on their golf course. Inter Club offers a unique opportunity for more remote clubs to raise their standards, and this year, RBCC took full advantage of what Inter Club offered. Just two weeks before the event, RBCC unveiled their newly renovated clubhouse, setting the perfect stage for the tournament. The club and its members excelled in hosting 172 golfers, providing exceptional organisation that included overnight bag storage, meals, and caddies, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Inter Club is managed by the KwaZulu-Natal Ladies Golf Association (KZNLGA), who welcomed women golfers from 25 clubs across KwaZulu-Natal. The Inter Club competition has been a driving force in increasing participation in women’s golf. As Nicci Taylor, KZNLGA president and member of Mount Edgecombe Country Club, explains: ‘Inter Club offers a unique opportunity for women to enjoy the game, encouraging clubs throughout South Africa to introduce more women to the sport and create an inclusive social environment.’
A distinctive feature of Inter Club is its foursomes format, where golf partners hit alternate shots. With this format, more women are able to play, and Inter Club has become one of the largest events in terms of golfer participation on the ladies’ golf calendar. It’s incredibly fun, though it requires a good deal of patience between partners — hence its playful nickname, ‘Divorcesomes’! Played over three days, this is a walking-only event, with no golf carts allowed. Fortunately, the weather this year cooperated with minimal rain, a welcome change from last year’s event at Margate Country Club, where heavy rain left golfers drenched but determined, adding an extra level of endurance to the tournament. In addition, the event is rich in traditions, such as the ceremonial flag-raising, adding a sense of pride for women golfers.
This year, the decision to hold the competition at Richards Bay Country Club supported a core mission of the KZNLGA: bringing economic and social benefits to smaller, more rural clubs. ‘Hosting the tournament in these areas allows smaller clubs to enhance their image, attract increased green fees, and even improve their courses,’ noted Taylor. ‘By encouraging participants to stay on site, we also foster stronger networks among players.’
The three-day event, which included themed evenings and a prize-giving ceremony, gave participants the opportunity to meet new players and connect with old friends, strengthening the women’s golfing community. Many clubs, including Mount Edgecombe Country Club, made an impressive showing, with Wendy Fouche and Jane Sagnelli taking home the Silver Division win. Mount Edgecombe Country Club also saw three new players joining this year ’s competition.
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Golf offers a variety of opportunities for women and, if started early, can be an ideal lifelong sport. Many women golfers started in their childhood and have played far into their golden years. Golf not only provides a way to stay active but also has the added benefit of comradeship. Lifelong bonds are shared among golfers due to their shared love of golf and, with the handicap system, any golfer of any level can compete against any other golfer. This handicap system levels the playing field and encourages golfers to play not only other players of their level but better players too. It’s a wonderful reason to get outside, soaking up fresh air and sunshine while enjoying an outdoor activity.
Golf is both a mental and physical challenge, encouraging players to continuously improve their skills and strive for a better score. It’s also a highly social sport, perfect for bonding with friends and family or even strengthening business relationships. Each round of golf is unique, as no two courses are alike, and the position of the pin changes, adding variety to every game. Known for its ‘gentlemanly’ nature, golf promotes civility and respect among players. It’s fun, rewarding, and offers a relaxing escape from the demands of everyday life, making it a sport that’s both fulfilling and enjoyable.
Reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities in women’s golf, Taylor, a passionate advocate with eight years on the KZNLGA Executive Committee and a seat on the GolfRSA Executive Committee, emphasised the need for continued efforts to engage young girls in the sport. ‘It’s often sons who go to the driving range with their fathers,’ Taylor shared, highlighting the importance of targeted outreach to girls and young women. She hopes that future leadership will carry her vision forward, further expanding participation in women’s and girls’ golf.
THE SUCCESS OF THE 2024 INTER CLUB COMPETITION AT RICHARDS BAY COUNTRY CLUB GOES A LONG WAY TOWARDS SUPPORTING SMALLER CLUBS, BUILDING COMMUNITY AMONG WOMEN GOLFERS, AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW PLAYERS TO EXPERIENCE THE GAME. THE KZNLGA AIMS TO CONTINUALLY GROW WOMEN’S GOLF THROUGH ITS MANY EVENTS OF WHICH INTER CLUB IS THE HIGHLIGHT.
