Germiston Golf

Farewell to the Germiston Giant

After a long struggle, I am saddened to say that my long-time friend and colleague, Phil Simmons, has passed away.

Just like he was in life, Phil fought until the end. He always worked hard and was determined to improve, whether it was his golf game or in his career as a golf professional.

Phil worked at four clubs in his 55 years as a golf professional. He started out as an assistant at Pretoria Country Club and then spent many years at Germiston Golf Club where he was fondly referred to as the Germiston Giant. He then moved to Mount Edgecombe and finally, ended up at Gowrie Farm. Phil had a unique relationship with members wherever he went. He immensely popular and despite the brusque “I’ll smack you into next year persona”, he was actually a big softie.

Phil was a fine player who played for many years on the Sunshine Tour. He was the best left-handed professional on Tour and was known by many for his long hitting. He was awarded Master Professional status by the PGA and was also an Honorary Member of the PGA.

He is survived by his wife Joan and his three children and will be missed by all of the friends that came to know him over the many years that we played and worked together. There are so many memories and funny stories that we will be able to look back on fondly for many years to come.

You will be greatly missed Phil. I’m sure there’s a tee-time waiting for you – I’m just not sure they will know what’s coming their way!

Rest in Peace.

Good day everyone.

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the immediate closing of Germiston Golf Course.
We appreciate everyone that has supported us over the years.
Many thanks
Germiston Golf Course

Come and enjoy a walk on one of the oldest courses!!

127 Years of Germiston Golfing History at Risk.

Germiston,Ekurhuleni.

Following recent reports that the Germiston Golf Club, one of South Africa's oldest Golfing clubs, was facing an existential threat due to a longstanding dispute over its lease agreement with the City of Ekurhuleni, Democratic Alliance Councillors Mike da Silva and Jean Ingram undertook a site visit and engaged with the Club's leadership.

Historically, the Germiston Golf Club as well as many other sporting codes across the City, have been able to utilize municipal facilities for their sporting needs at a nominal rate, in exchange these codes often took up the expense of securing and maintaining the facility in question.

The Germiston Golf Club lease ended in 2015, and the club has been trying since at least 2009 to enter into a new one. This was finally done in 2024, but under what amounts to unfair terms which have since severely compromised the Club's financial viability, as the costs of securing and maintaining the City's premises are not genuinely considered.

If this does not change, the Germiston Golf Club, with its 127 year heritage will shut down. Along with the club's closure will come a profound set of knock on effects including the unemployment of the staff, who continuously maintain the facility. Eventually, we will speak of the Germiston Golf course in the same manner that we speak about the PAM Brink stadium, which itself is a victim of the self-same attitude shown by the city.

"The Germiston Golf Club is more than just a golf course - it's a green belt, a community asset, and a vital part of our city's history," said Da Silva, DA Deputy Spokeperson on SHRAC committee.

While the DA recognizes that the City must do everything it can to increase its revenue, this must be balanced with the needs of the community.

The DA urges the City of Ekurhuleni to re-assess its rental policy when it is being applied to Sports Club's and other social benefit organizations.

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Germiston Golf Club is open and is still operating.

To book your game at Germiston Golf Club please phone us on 011 827 7818.

We would like to wish all our members and visitors a very happy festive season. Please note the club will be closed on the 26th December 2024 and the 1st January 2025

Contact us to book for our silly season special! ⛳✨
WhatsApp 069 644 8950🌲
Call us 011 827 7818✨