We are very grateful to John Smuts for his many years of contributing to the ODU and in particular to the OD golfing fraternity.  He is not stopping his golf, but wants to hand over the baton so that he can spend more time on the green and with his family.

John Smuts sent us this message to let us know that he is stepping down and looking for someone who might be able to step up and take his place

I informed the OD Union a few months ago that I wish to stand-down from organising the OD golf events of the Walker Cup & Old Quad. Having lost my wife to cancer nearly 8 years ago, and with 3 of my adult children now living overseas, and my eldest son, his wife and baby living out in the country (Greyton), I am home alone, running a thriving guesthouse, and still leading a busy sporting (golf 3 x times per week, and I have just returned from an annual Garden Route golf tour) and social life (I am in various lunch groups, incl being the organiser of a Bishops 60’s lunch group, etc).

I also plan to do many more overseas trips this year, like the 6-week trip I did around Vietnam and Thailand with 3 of my kids last Oct/Nov.  I am looking at visiting either the States or UK – still looking a suitable dates.

I am committed to do the organising for the 40 th Walker Cup on 5 May, but there is still the Old Quad later in the year.

In reality we will need to find someone who would be willing to take on this important role not just later this year, but also beyond. 

Should you be interested in the role of OD Golf Inter-School Organiser, please email the odu at [email protected].

Once again a huge thank you to John Smuts for all his hard work over the years.

Rondebosch Old Boys organiser, Gary Fouche handing over the Walker Cup to John Smuts. The Cup was played at Rondebosch Golf Club in March 2020 with the OD team claiming a win of 24 to 8 Matches.