Tuesday 30 September 2014

An opportunity taken is never an opportunity lost!

By Marielle Beetge

Last year I found myself at the Hilton Hotel in July sometime, sitting in the back row for the presentation to go overseas. I remember I went there because a friend asked me to go and I wasn’t that interested, but I went anyway. The more I listened the more interested I became and by the end of the presentation we all moved closer to the front to undergo a screening.

I will never forget this day, because this was the day I met someone so special. We were both sitting in the same row and ended up both moving forward and sitting next to each other. We spoke for 2 hours, non-stop. By the end of that day we knew that there was a connection, something strong.


We spoke for a long while after, through social media, and eventually made plans to meet up. It didn’t take us long to figure out what we had was special when we both were just so comfortable. It felt as though I had known him my whole life.


A few weeks down the line, we were inseparable. But life, as per usual, threw us a curve ball. He got accepted to America and I never. This seemed as though it were the end and I struggled to understand why this had happened to us. Little did I know, it was life’s way of showing us how strong we were. A month or so later, he was in America and I was here. We Skype’d almost everyday, between our working schedules and the time difference but don’t get me wrong. It was hard.

We started dating and only 7 months later I got to see his face again.

There was always a plan for us, we just had to figure out a way to be stronger than our emotions. This love has led me down a strange path that I didn’t think I would be on, and I’m sure he feels the same way, but every bump in the road had its reasons and lessons.


A year later and we have both been accepted. I appreciate everything more this time and I am extremely grateful to have an opportunity like this.

I sometimes think, ‘what if I didn’t go to that meeting?’


So, next time there’s an opportunity to do something really awesome, maybe you should stop doubting yourself because something great might happen. It might not be what you expected but it might become an important part of your life.


“You only regret the chances you didn’t take”

Just a short introduction of who I am!

By Marielle Beetge

My name is Marielle, I’m a photographer, a former gymnast & adventurer.


I’m starting this blog to record my journey to the USA. Follow me and become a part of my journey.


I will be taking photographs, recording events that happen and just living life to the full.

"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take"



Tuesday 9 September 2014

Employee appreciation!

By Jasper Burger

It was a gloriously beautiful day in Springfield, New Jersey, when the employees of Baltusrol Golf Club got to enjoy the clubhouse, fitness center, and most importantly, the famous upper and lower golf courses. Generous members of the club volunteered to help out with the day’s preparations, as well as the organising of the event and competitions, including the putting contest, longest drive and best players of the day.


This annual event is one that all employees look forward to.  Every year the event seems to be topped by the previous one – whether it is the amazing food we get to enjoy, the beer and drinks on offer (in moderation of course!), or the amazing prizes that are handed out to participants – all of this makes the day that much more exciting and enjoyable.  Apart from this, and most importantly, is the amount of continued effort that is put into the event by all involved in order to make it a success.


The day usually starts off slowly and picks up pace as all the golf and activities are in full swing.  Some staff enjoy the fitness center on the day, while some like to indulge in a good coffee and bagel in the grill room. During the day, there is no time constraint, meaning that the club is open to us all day - and the relaxing vibe is exactly what is needed after a busy summer!


Prizes on the day include golf gear of top brands like Nike, Adidas, Titleist and Callaway.  Baltusrol shirts, hats, jerseys and shoes are also handed out to each employee.


As the day finishes at the club, it is a tradition to stop by the local pub for one last celebratory “thank you.”  Although this is a good way to show our gratitude to the members who arrange this great event for us, the best way to do so is to get back into the grind at work and to do the very best we can in our respective positions and departments.