Sports Then and Now

Looking Back on the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2019: A Spectator’s View

For the weekend of November 14^th2019, Sun City was home to another successful Nedbank Golf Challenge, hosted by Gary Player. As one of the biggest sporting events in South Africa, fans are always in for a treat; the Nedbank Golf Challenge has more to offer annually. 

Something for the Fans

A major focus this year was fan engagement and activities. Spectators had so much to choose from; from virtual reality experiences, dinners prepared by culinary geniuses,real-time sports betting, to the premium hospitality that has come to be expected from, Nedbank Golf Challenge sponsor, Sun International. 

Eager punters could visit the Sunbet marquee, where they gave away hundreds of promotional free cash bets and double-ups vouchers to go with the player activations. Other competitions were rife throughout the weekend events and celebrations, and some lucky supporters got the chance to win epic prizes.  

Ford is often thought of as the father of modern automotive technology. The man the company was named after created the world’s first assembly line for automobile production in 1913. It could build an entire car — at the time, the Model T — in two and a half hours.

They might be best known for being pioneers of automotive innovation, but the brand also has an exciting and colorful racing history. Let’s take a closer look at what made Ford stand out on the racetrack as well as on the highway.

The Early Years

While Ford might not have made a name for himself until the early 1900s, at least when it came to car manufacturing, he was still trying to make his mark on the world. In 1896, in his first car, which he called the Quadricycle, he reached a top speed of 20 mph — the fastest vehicle at the time. Five years later, in 1901, Ford won his first race by beating Alexander Winton in a 10-lap race at the Detroit Driving Club. You can see that exact car, known as the Sweepstakes, at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

It’s easy to get restless when living the lockdown lifestyle. Regular activity is important for your physical and mental health, and while you could spend all your time doing projects and cleaning the house, there’s only so much dust. Plus, after it’s gone, it comes right back. You might as well find some time to enjoy yourself.

Why not indulge in some old-fashioned backyard sports? It’s a great way to pass time and occupy the whole family. Here are a few great ideas to do just that.

1. Soccer

The world’s game earned its title because you can play anywhere with only a ball and an open space. Before you declare that you don’t have enough room for a soccer match, keep in mind that you don’t need a FIFA-approved pitch to pass, juggle, shoot and improve your skills. The multitude of mini-games and exercises you can do in this sport is part of why it is so beloved. 

2. Horseshoes

Here’s another classic that you can play in a fairly small space. Millennials and Generation Z may require some instruction, but the game of horseshoes is one of those perennial favorites that has endeared itself to generations over time. It’s a simple game of tossing u-shaped “shoes” at a stake sunk into a pit of sand. This is one you can build yourself — all you need are some simple digging tools, a couple of stakes and sand. 

Before Aaron Rodgers, the Wisconsinite dynasty that is the Green Bay Packers was led by another legendary gunslinger. Millennials might not recall the glory days of Brett Favre delivering laser-guided long-range passes to Antonio Freeman, Mark Chmura and Donald Driver, but he is one of the league’s few three-year consecutive MVPs and a respected Hall of Fame quarterback.

You might spot Favre appearing on the occasional sporting goods commercial, but if you guessed that he’s got much more going on, you’d be right. So what is your favorite QB up to these days?

Staying Active

It’s not just in the commercials that Favre continues to live up to his athletic past. The 16-season NFL quarterback still covers 100-plus miles per week on his bicycle. 

By the look of him, he could step right in behind center today and do just fine. He’s also taken up competing in triathlons and even an Ironman competition in Key West. 

Favre points out that he’s discovered a love for travel., and has visited such places as Yellowstone National Park with his wife, Deana. 

Tailgating might be a pastime for some. But to the truly faithful, it’s nearly a profession. Gameday rituals must be observed, and it takes more than a hurried grocery run and a few folding chairs to make a memorable tailgate party.

Crafting a gameday experience that gets you and your friends hyped up for the big game, well-fed and in prime position to move the party right on into the stadium requires planning and commitment. We submit to you our five tips on how to host the ultimate tailgate party. Do these things and you can’t lose!

Kick Out the Jams

Many teams have their favorite theme songs, but even your favorite sports bar can play some classic rock or hype-up hip hop between commercials to keep spirits high.

Adding some music to your tailgate party is easier than ever thanks to the huge selection of portable wireless speakers on the market. Grab your favorite one, mix up a party-appropriate playlist and get down before the game! You may want to bring some extra batteries or a power bank, since the speaker will probably be turned up loud all afternoon.

Don’t Skimp on Seating

Yes, people want to be active at a tailgate party. But they also need a place to rest and conserve energy for the critical match while enjoying the plentiful spread you’ve provided.

Make sure you have lots of extra seating. Consider some ever-popular inflatable couches, or go for deluxe folding chairs that you can easily stack and shuttle home when you’re done. Cupholders are a must-have, too. And don’t subject your guests to such inhumane treatment as those flimsy deck chairs that have been collecting dust since Dad used ’em in the ’80s.

With March Madness cancelled, the entire sports world on pause and many public gatherings and places across the country and globe closed due to the COVID-19 virus, there are only so many shows on Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming channels that we can watch before sports withdrawals are surely to kick in.

Fortunately, YouTube is home to a plethora of vintage sporting events that can help pass the time before live sports return.

In part 1 of a multi-part series, Sports Then and Now has selected 10 vintage conference tournament games that include some of the all-time moments and players in college basketball history. For each one we have included the records, rankings, coaches and notable players at the time of the game, but are not spoiling the game with a summary in case you don’t remember the outcome and want to enjoy the moment without spoilers.

The fun part about watching vintage games is that it includes the original announcers, as well as showcasing some players who went on to greatness often before they had become household names, or as they were building their reputation. Players like Patrick Ewing, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Ralph Sampson, Tim Duncan, Jerry Stackhouse and many more are included in our selections.

There are certainly other great games to watch on YouTube, but we have chosen these partly because the entire game is available and the game epitomized the excitement of March Madness.

Enjoy!

1983 ACC Tournament Championship Game – Virginia vs. North Carolina State

Records Entering Game: Virginia 27-3; North Carolina State: 19-10

National Ranking: Virginia #2; North Carolina State unranked

Coaches: UVA: Terry Holland; North Carolina State: Jim Valvano

Notable Players: UVA – Ralph Sampson, Othell Wilson, Ricky Stokes, Rick Carlisle; NC State – Thurl Bailey, Sidney Lowe, Lorenzo Charles, Dereck Whittenburg, Terry Gannon