Bok heroes enjoy successful Framesby golf day

Springbok rugby legend Danie Gerber and 1999 World Cup hero Jannie de Beer added a touch of celebrity status as Framesby Hoerskool held a highly successful golf day at Humewood on Friday (November 22).

With FNB as the title sponsor, a full afternoon field of 124 players tested themselves around the famous Port Elizabeth links course, putting the day firmly on the local golfing map.

Golf day organiser Karl du Preez, who is chairman of the Framesby Supporters Club and also serves on the school governing body, said they were delighted with the success of the day and had already pencilled in next year’s date for November 20.

“It was great to have guys like Danie and Jannie with us, while we also hosted Dawie Spies, the uncle of [Springbok rugby player] Pierre, and Wynie Strydom, the long-serving manager of the Blue Bulls,” he said.

“This year’s event was on another level compared to last year’s inaugural day and it was a great chance to help us raise the profile of the school.

“Besides FNB, we had the support from a number of companies and such a good entry that we hardly had to advertise the day. There are already five four-balls who have put their names down for next year.”

In a career spanning three decades, Gerber will go down as one of South Africa’s greatest players, while De Beer leapt to international prominence with five drop goals to sink England in the 1999 World Cup quarterfinals.

Du Preez said a question and answer session with the Springboks was enjoyed by those who attended, while Spies handled the prize-giving auction with aplomb.

“We had a number of portraits from the recent World Cup and Dawie was so good that these 10 auction items went in no time.

“Current Springbok team doctor Konrad von Hagen also played and there were many who enjoyed having photos with him and his World Cup-winning medal.”

He added that they had been encouraged by new Framesby headmaster Marius Germishuys to take the day to the next level.

“Naturally there were some funds generated, but this was mainly about getting our supporters and sponsors to network in the more informal and fun atmosphere of a golf day.

“We are extremely happy with how it went and are looking forward to another bumper day next year.”

In a move to improve their overall sports offering to potential scholars, Framesby have constructed an astroturf and appointed Jordan Drury as their director of hockey, while former SA netball star Lana Krige will take on a part-time role as a mentor in the sport.