Roots are embedded deep into gholf club’s fairways

Although the actual designer of the course and date it was built is not on record, the Standerton Country Club has a rich history within the community.

According to Mr Pierre Schnetler, chief executive officer of the club, it is presumed that the course was built in the late 20s or early 30s.

It is known as a links course, which means the original contours of the land were used, so the landscape has not been changed to accommodate the nine holes that make up the golf course as it stands today.

The club, as we know it today, was founded by community members that wanted to leave a legacy in town in 1956. Mr Schnetler said the secret to the longevity of the club is the commitment of the community and club members’ loyalty.

The club has 308 active members at the moment.

The longest living active member is Mr George Dunbar, a local businessman, who has fond memories of his time spent at the country club.

Not only golf, but he recalled laying the cricket pitch, which is still being used today, apparently Messrs Dunbar and Schnetler felt quite at home with bat and ball in hand.

He also recalled that his mother and father were members, as was Mr Schnetler’s father, so the family roots of our community grow deep within the fairways of the course. “We are still blessed with the presence of two of the founding members,” Mr Schnetler said.

Dr Bill te Water and Mr Paul Daniel were honoured at the unveiling of the Foundation Members Plaque on 11 February 2011 and the plaque hangs proudly in the clubhouse.

One noticeable tradition that is quite unique is that when a member enters the clubhouse, he will greet everyone by hand and will do the same on his departure.

The club offers much more than just golf, there are squash and tennis courts, snooker and a fun and friendly lounge area to relax and be around friends.

There are a few membership fees to choose from, be you a pensioner, a youngster, or someone that does not play golf and just wants to soak up the ambiance in the clubhouse.

Millions of rands had been put aside to develop a golf estate and give the club a facelift, but unfortunately there is an on going court case between the developers and the municipality and the case is still sub judice.

One of South Africa’s most famous golfers, Gary Player, has also graced the greens of the course. “We solely rely on the membership fees and do not get any kind of grant or financial support from the local municipality,” Mr Schnetler said.

So if you wish to carry on the legacy of a country course in your own backyard, young or old,.become a member of the Standerton Country Club and soak up the wonderful hospitality and friendliness that are always on offer.