Good day to everyone,
We would like to share some of the wonderful things happening at Bosch Hoek Golf, Lodge and Farm. We are incredibly proud of this special corner of South Africa and the KZN Midlands, and we simply had to share our latest news with you.
This has become quite a lengthy letter, but that is simply because there is so much positive news to tell. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.
Winter has certainly arrived at Bosch Hoek. While the mornings are crisp and cold, they certainly haven't deterred golfers from enjoying our beautiful course.
From the early morning starters through to the last groups of the day, our golf course continues to welcome a steady stream of players. Despite the winter conditions, the course has held up exceptionally well, with the tee boxes, fairways and greens all in outstanding condition.
It is incredibly rewarding to see so many people making use of our golfing facilities.
Over recent months we have had the privilege of hosting a wide variety of prestigious events and distinguished guests, including:
- SA Rugby Legends (for the fifteenth time)
- African Bank (previously Grindrod Bank, also for the fifteenth time)
- The Douglas Cup (so many times)
- Cricket's Golf Day (what a party and they have already booked again for next year!)
- Gary Player
- Our friends from Golf Digest (we're still hoping to claim that No. 1 ranking!)
- Cricketing greats including Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, Pat Symcox and David Miller
- Touring golf clubs from around South Africa
- Numerous private groups, corporate functions, medical professionals and many other well-known personalities.
The list truly is endless, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses Bosch Hoek.
We have also welcomed organizations such as The Manors Group, an international marketing organization, and Cleanliving Golf, both of whom have helped showcase Bosch Hoek and several prestigious KwaZulu-Natal golf clubs on an international platform.
Most importantly, however, we recently hosted our own Club Championships together with the launch of our Par 3 Challenge. It was a fantastic weekend enjoyed by Members, families and friends, and we'd like to congratulate everyone who participated.
Our sincere thanks go to our Club Chairman, Lloyd Rowlands, our Club Men's Captain, Craig Carolan, and the entire Club Committee for their dedication and support. A special thank you also goes to Brad Ross and Kes Hansen for the tremendous work they put into hosting the Championships and ensuring everything ran so smoothly. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to every Member who took part.
We also wish to thank all our Members for their continued support throughout the year. It is hard to believe we are already in July.
To our new Members, welcome to the Bosch Hoek family. We hope you enjoy many memorable rounds of golf with us.
To those Members who have recently returned to Bosch Hoek, welcome home. As we mention later in this letter, we would love to welcome back many more former Members in the months ahead.
It gives us great pleasure to see the continued growth in rounds played at Bosch Hoek. Member, visitor and group rounds have all shown a steady increase. Much of this success is due to the dedication and expertise of Kes Hansen and his outstanding team. Their hard work is reflected in the exceptional condition of the course, something we can sometimes take for granted. The knowledge and commitment they bring to maintaining the course play an enormous role in its success, and we continue to receive glowing feedback from visitors. Many golfers tell us they are amazed by the condition of the course, with some describing it as one of the finest in South Africa, and several have even said it is the best course they have ever played.
Work on the course continues throughout the year, and we remain committed to maintaining Bosch Hoek to the highest possible standard. One of our current projects is the waterproofing of the small dam on the left of the third hole. Once spring arrives, we will also reseed the practice chipping green to the right of the sixth hole, ensuring it is ready for the growing season. With a few welcome spring rains, the beautiful waterfall alongside the fifth hole will once again be flowing, adding to one of the most scenic parts of the course.
Many of you will remember the severe winds on Mother's Day that brought down a large tree onto the Memorial Shelter. We are pleased to say that the shelter has now been fully restored and enhanced. A sincere thank you goes to Giles Kitching, who carried out the restoration work with great care and craftsmanship. Giles is fast becoming our resident builder and is always a pleasure to work with. Brad Ross also played a significant role in redesigning the shelter. His wealth of golfing knowledge, experience and understanding of Bosch Hoek continue to make him an invaluable member of our team. The Memorial Shelter remains a fitting tribute to the many Members who have sadly passed away over the years. It has also become a wonderful gathering place within our halfway house facilities and an attractive venue for smaller functions. We are already planning further improvements, including a braai facility and upgrades to the balustrades, to make this special space even more welcoming.
Behind the parking area, adjacent to our existing workshop, we have constructed an additional implement storage facility complete with a fixed five-ton crane. This will greatly assist our workshop operations as we continue to expand and maintain our growing fleet of golf course equipment.
There has also been plenty of activity on the farming side of Bosch Hoek. Our paddocks have been upgraded, and "Poppies' House" has been beautifully renovated to provide accommodation for Stephen, our full-time handyman. We also plan to renovate a second house behind the Manor House to create additional staff accommodation.
The rear of the Manor House is gradually developing into an attractive working area that will combine improved housing, our bent grass nursery for the greens, and the picturesque surroundings of the historic stable block.
To support both our farming and golf course operations, we have invested in new farm equipment, which is now housed within the stable block. Many of these machines serve both farming and course maintenance, making them valuable additions. Further improvements include new cattle handling facilities, upgraded paddock fencing and plans to improve the back road.
We have also refreshed several gravel pathways throughout the property, including the garden paths between the first and second tees and the gravel road that crosses the third fairway.
The Manor House continues to be a great asset, and we remain committed to preserving its heritage while enhancing its facilities. It is home to our conference venue, created within the former billiard and entertainment room. While the venue itself is complete, it is currently being used to store the new furniture that will soon be installed as part of the Clubhouse refurbishment.
The ongoing removal of invasive alien vegetation remains one of our major environmental priorities. To assist with this important work, we have employed several former members of the Working for Water team following the conclusion of the government-funded program. Their knowledge and experience continue to be invaluable as we work to restore and protect the natural beauty of the estate.
We are also working closely with Phillip Stanistreet to remove ageing and storm-damaged trees throughout the property. During spring, Phillip will begin replanting trees along the entrance road into Bosch Hoek, replacing those that have recently been removed and further enhancing the beauty of Bosch Hoek.
Our beautiful gardens continue to flourish thanks to the dedication of Lisa Thompson, whose attention to detail has made a tremendous difference throughout the property. With spring around the corner, Lisa will once again have the opportunity to further develop our gardens, including the area we affectionately refer to as "Hyde Park" on the left-hand side of the third fairway. This is one of the most picturesque parts of Bosch Hoek, where the newly planted trees are thriving beautifully. We continue to explore ways of enhancing this special area, creating an even more attractive landscape that complements the golf course and further enriches the overall Bosch Hoek experience.
One of the most exciting projects currently underway at Bosch Hoek is the refurbishment of our Clubhouse. Work is progressing well, and Members and visitors will already have noticed the significant changes taking place, particularly around the entrance from the car park, which will become another entrance to the Clubhouse. The transformation is well underway, and we are looking forward to unveiling a fresh new space that will honour the rich heritage of Bosch Hoek while providing an enhanced experience for Members and guests.
The former Punch Barlow room (Café Jeanne) is being transformed into a larger and more modern Pro Shop. The expanded space will offer a wider range of golfing equipment, apparel and accessories, including a new heritage collection inspired by both the farm and Bosch Hoek Golf. Brad Ross has been instrumental in planning the layout and design of the new Pro Shop, drawing on his extensive experience to create a welcoming and practical retail space for Members and visitors alike.
New decking and roofing are currently being installed to create an attractive new entrance and outdoor entertainment area. This beautiful space will provide Members and visitors with another place to relax, enjoy a meal or drink, and take in the magnificent surroundings after a round of golf. To complement the new deck, the Pro Shop will include its own boutique bar, making the area a vibrant social hub within the Clubhouse.
A new, well-lit pathway will also connect the Lodge and the Clubhouse, making it easier and more convenient for Lodge guests to enjoy all the facilities on offer.
Once the new Pro Shop has opened, the current Pro Shop will be transformed into an intimate coffee shop. The café will offer quality coffee together with a carefully selected range of wines, cheeses and specialty items for sale. Opening onto the existing front veranda, it will provide another inviting space where Members and visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful Bosch Hoek setting.
Access to the new Pro Shop will remain simple, with registration and golf services available through the existing double doors leading into the Clubhouse.
The Clubhouse itself will receive a complete refresh while carefully preserving the warmth and character that Members have always loved. The main veranda ceiling will be raised slightly and redesigned to flow seamlessly into the coffee shop and entertainment areas.
Working alongside our interior decorator, we have drawn inspiration from both international and local design trends to create an elegant yet comfortable environment. The redesigned verandas will feature stylish furniture, large umbrellas, carefully selected décor, comfortable heating and many thoughtful finishing touches that will create an inviting atmosphere throughout the year. Jeanne Clark and our entire team have played an important role in shaping the overall design, ensuring the Clubhouse remains both welcoming and true to the Bosch Hoek character.
Inside the Clubhouse, we have chosen to retain the existing bar in its current location. It has served generations of Members well and remains an important part of Bosch Hoek's history and identity. Rather than changing what already works, we have chosen to enhance the surrounding spaces while preserving the warm, homely atmosphere that Members and visitors have enjoyed for so many years. The refurbished Clubhouse will also feature carefully selected golfing and sporting memorabilia, celebrating the rich history and traditions of Bosch Hoek. The men's and ladies' change rooms will be upgraded and will also serve as fitting rooms for customers visiting the Pro Shop.
Outside, a new brick walkway will provide easy access between the car park and the Clubhouse, making it more convenient to move golf bags and equipment. The exterior of the building will also be repaired and repainted, while retaining its distinctive paned-glass windows. The roof will receive a fresh green finish, complementing the natural surroundings.
There has been an enormous amount of planning and preparation behind this project, and while we are all eager to see the finished result, we know that taking the time to do it properly will be well worth the wait. We are hopeful that the refurbishment will be substantially complete by the end of August or early September, and we look forward to welcoming Members, homeowners and visitors into the new Clubhouse.
Once the Clubhouse refurbishment has been completed, our attention will turn to the Bosch Hoek Lodge. Plans are already being developed to refurbish and refresh the Lodge, including replacing the decking around the entertainment area and swimming pool, repainting the buildings and carrying out a range of general upgrades. The Lodge has been a much-loved part of Bosch Hoek for many years, and these improvements will ensure it continues to offer the same high standard of comfort and hospitality that our guests have come to expect.
A special thank you goes to Michael Senke and Gareth Barske, who continue to maintain exceptional service standards at the Lodge. We regularly receive wonderful feedback from guests praising both them and their dedicated teams, and we sincerely appreciate the pride they take in looking after our visitors.
Our people remain at the heart of everything we do. We are delighted with the progress Cameron Smith has made at the golf reception, where he continues to grow in confidence and experience. We are also pleased to welcome Anke Janse van Rensburg to our front-of-house team. Many of our Members have asked after Jozie, and we are pleased to report that her health continues to improve. We look forward to welcoming her back when she is ready. Her cheerful nature has always brightened Bosch Hoek, and we continue to support her throughout her recovery.
Every member of our Clubhouse, Lodge, kitchen, golf course and management teams play an important role in delivering the standard of service our Members and guests have come to expect. Their commitment, professionalism and genuine care for Bosch Hoek are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to them welcoming you into our newly refurbished facilities soon. As we continue to raise the standard of everything we offer, one of our greatest assets are our people.
It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the renewed marketing efforts taking place at Bosch Hoek. The response has been extremely encouraging, and we continue to see growing interest from golfers, visitors and prospective guests. A special thank you goes to Kayleigh Page, with her extensive knowledge of Bosch Hoek, together with Taytum Clark, our social media content creator based in the United Kingdom, and Gareth Barske, whose interviews and drone footage beautifully capture the spirit and beauty of Bosch Hoek. Together, they are helping us share the Bosch Hoek story with a wider audience by showcasing the natural beauty of the estate and the many exciting improvements taking place. Through our website and social media platforms, we continue to reach more people than ever before, and we are delighted to see a steady increase in both golf and accommodation enquiries.
One of the projects we are particularly excited about is the development of our Bosch Hoek coffee table book. This will be far more than simply a collection of photographs. It will tell the story of Bosch Hoek, its people, its history, its traditions and its evolution over the years. The book will celebrate our owners, Members, staff and visitors, capturing the personalities, milestones and memorable moments that have shaped Bosch Hoek into what it is today. We already have a first draft in place, and the book is being written by Greg Ardé. If you have a story, memory or photograph that forms part of Bosch Hoek's history, we would love to include it. We would be delighted to introduce you to Greg, who will gladly meet with you and record your memories for future generations.
Everything we have shared in this letter reflects the tremendous amount of work taking place. Every improvement, whether large or small, is part of our commitment to creating an exceptional experience for our Members, guests and visitors while preserving the unique character and heritage of Bosch Hoek. Some of what we have shared may sound like we are praising ourselves, but we make no apology for celebrating a place that means so much to all of us. Bosch Hoek is truly a special place.
We are incredibly proud to be part of this wonderful community and to work alongside our family, our staff, our Members, our homeowners and our neighbours, all of whom contribute to making Bosch Hoek such a remarkable destination.
Our commitment is simple: to continue improving every aspect of Bosch Hoek while respecting its heritage and preserving the warmth and character that make it so unique. We firmly believe that working together as friends, neighbours and Members of the Bosch Hoek family is what makes our community so special. By supporting one another and sharing a common vision, we can continue building a golfing destination and residential estate that we can all be proud of.
As we prepare for the new golf year in September and October, we sincerely hope to welcome back many former Members who have moved on over the years. You remain part of the Bosch Hoek family, and we would be delighted to see you return.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Bosch Hoek.
We look forward to sharing the next chapter of our journey with you.
Warm regards,
Ivan and Andrew Clark