Categories: CLUB NEWS, NEWS

The annual Legends Fund Golf Day took place at the Belmont Golf Club on Thursday 15 June 2023 under some heavy cloud, rain, and generally rather terrible conditions – the weather failed to dampen the spirits of the golfers however, who took to the course and succeeded in making this Legends Golf Day, one of the most successful ever had.

The first four-ball of a full field for the day teed off slightly later than hoped, with the last four-ball coming back to the clubhouse around 17h30 after which there was a festive prizegiving.

As always, Kingswoodians, friends of the College and our local businesses rose to the occasion with their generosity ensuring that the items for auction were top-class, 12 four-balls were rewarded with some amazing prizes, as were the players closest to the pin, with the longest drive and more – certainly worth playing for. Not only that but a few lucky players were rewarded by winning a string of lucky draw prizes.

The Legends Golf Day had become a steadfast tradition in the Kingswood calendar, heralding the start of the K-Day weekend each year. Superbly organized from start to finish by Gregg Rippon (OK 1983), all the proceedings from the day are for the benefit of the Legends Fund – a fund that provides financial support for deserving children to attend Kingswood. 

This year, the Golf Day was made even more meaningful by the Class of 1983 and friends, who rallied together around the golf day to raise further funds in honour of their fellow class member Grant Butterworth (always a loyal supporter of the Legends Fund) who tragically passed right after their 40-year reunion in March this year. Our heartfelt thanks must go again to Gregg, and well as Justin Wilmot for their efforts on behalf of us all.

A total of R400 000 was raised through this day, arguably the most ever raised by a golf day at Kingswood.

To say we are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who took part, and their support of the Legends Fund, would be an understatement.

For over 10 years the Legends Fund has helped the families of Kingswood in their time of need. A bursary fund, it looks for opportunities to support children who embrace the spirit of what it means to be a Kingswoodian, and hold the potential to become leaders within our community. There is no better time to support the Legends Fund and its mission than the times we find ourselves in today.

The winners were: –

  • 1st Place: Michelle Schulpfort and daughter Andrea Schulpfort (OK 2019) with their partners.
  • 2nd Place:  Buster Brotherton (OK 2006), Kyle van Niekerk (OK 2008), Guy Bladen  (OK 2007) and Chris Roberts (OK 2010)
  • 3rd Place: Gregg Rippon (OK 1983) and Warne Rippon (OK 1984) and partners

In addition to thanking all our sponsors and donors listed below, a special word of thanks goes to the Belmont Golf Club for hosting the event and all their help. ALL the players who supported the day, and lastly members of the ‘organising committee’ Gregg Rippon ably assisted by Penny Stapleton who as always gave selflessly of their time to make the day a success.

List of sponsors, supporters and donors: –