Easterns Nomads claim the coveted Bert Hunt Trophy

Easterns Nomads Golf Club once again made history by winning the Bert Hunt Trophy at the 2025 Nomads National Tournament in Hermanus.

This marks the club’s seventh triumph in the prestigious inter-provincial competition since its formation in 1978—an impressive feat considering the level of competition and intensity of the event. The win reaffirms Easterns’ status as one of the most consistent and competitive Nomads clubs in South Africa.

“The Bert Hunt Trophy is the one everyone wants to bring home,” said Rob Gordon, proud captain of the Easterns squad.

“To stand on that final night and lift the trophy, knowing it was earned through three rounds of hard, honest golf—there’s no better feeling.”

The Bert Hunt Trophy is awarded to the club with the highest average score across all completed rounds, making it the most coveted team prize at Nationals. Each team’s total is calculated by averaging the cumulative scores of its players, emphasising consistency, teamwork, and depth.

Introduced in 1966 and donated by Henry Hunt, a founding member of Transvaal Nomads, the trophy was established by Nomads founder Mike Florance as a symbol of unity and competitive excellence. The original version—a silver golf ball and tee—became iconic, though it was eventually deemed inappropriate, possibly due to the quirky tradition of presenting it filled with ginger ale and a piece of boerewors.

Benson & Hedges, a national sponsor at the time, provided a replacement trophy, used until the company’s withdrawal in 1989. The current version was introduced shortly after. Though the original trophy was once displayed at the Germiston Golf Club’s archive exhibition, which closed in 2013, its current whereabouts remain unknown.

Zimbabwe famously won the title in 1975, but with the growth of Nomads clubs, the Bert Hunt Trophy is now contested exclusively by South African teams. International clubs compete for three separate trophies at Nationals.

Easterns’ victory in Hermanus is more than just a scorecard success—it’s a celebration of legacy, camaraderie, and perseverance. From battling swirling coastal winds to scores calculated to the third decimal, this year’s Nationals was golf at its finest.

For Easterns, the Bert Hunt Trophy isn’t just a prize—it’s a symbol of pride and purpose. As they continue to carve their name into Nomads history, one thing is clear: they are not just competitors—they are champions.

Also Read: Nomads bowlers bowl from the heart

Also Read: Maas seals Nomads double with masterclass at ERPM