Dries Els, Newcastle Golf Club’s longest-standing captain
Dries Els said his long-standing position as captain would not have been possible without the support of the community, other players and his wife, Santi, who has supported him wholeheartedly.
Quinton Boucher
The name Dries Els is synonymous with golf.
For the past eight years, Dries has been captain of Newcastle Golf Club, making him the longest-standing captain in the club’s history. His long career as captain is due to his dedication and passion to the sport.
“I took up golf shortly after I stopped playing rugby, which was more than 20 years ago.”
He has not looked back since picking up his first golf club and walking onto the greens.
“It is an addictive sport. There have been days where others and myself have played in the rain, water running down our faces and backs, but we played. I even remember playing one year when the entire golf course was covered in snow and we had to use coloured balls.”
What appeals most to Dries, is the game itself. He also delights in the company of fellow golfers.
“Golf is an amazing game, which keeps you humble. One day you can be right on top after a good game, and the next day it is the total opposite. I also love people and being surrounded by others. Life is short and we only have this one moment, so we need to make the most of it.”
As the captain of the golf club, it is a journey he enjoys to the fullest.
“It is not always an easy job, as you have to apply rules and ensure that you are fair to everyone. Like Tiger Woods, I believe golf is the biggest game there is, so I try to be as accommodating as possible and promoting it as much as possible.”
Dries said his long-standing position as captain would not have been possible without the support of the community, other players and his wife, Santi, who has supported him wholeheartedly.
As an avid golfer, Dries said he would strongly recommend others to take up golf.
“It is a game which offers you the opportunity to see what kind of person you are. One day on the greens and you can see if you are short-tempered, patient or calm. The game can then help you focus and work on yourself.”
He also encouraged the youth to join a golf club, rather than spending weekends of drinking.
“It is a character-building game and can help youngsters move away from bad influences and improve their concentration.”
While some might believe golf was merely for rich old men, Dries said this was not the case at all.
“If someone really wants to play golf, we at the Newcastle Golf Club can see where we can help,” he concluded.
