Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FEBRUARY 2010
The
Business
VOLUME tISSUE 2
MAGAZINE
FOR THE GOLF INDUSTRY
GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT Visit www.compleatgolfer.co.za for back issues of GCM
A CAREER IN
GREENKEEPING ART, SCIENCE
AND HARD WORK
O Course photography
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
GCM IS PRINTED ON
CAREERS
Why to consider a career as a greenkeeper 6
VIRTUAL CLUBS
FROM
OA different point of view 10
OCGGU tackles virtual clubs 13
COURSE PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EDITOR
The importance of capturing the moment 16
ENVIRONMENT
Sun City’s environmental programme 17
BIG GUNS
‘Big guns’ at the Nedbank Golf
Challenge; deputy president Kgalema
Motlanthe (left) and Mohammed Valli
Moosa, former minister of environ-
mental affairs and tourism, were
among the VIPs that attended the
Nedbank Golf Challenge.
High praise for GPCC enthused. It is normal for the player that
GCM’s editor congratulated Robert wins to be most complimentary, but the
Allenby after the Australian won the 29th other players echoed Allenby’s senti-
Nedbank Golf Challenge. Allenby raved ments. The Gary Player Country Club is a
about the condition of the course: “There strong contender to be voted as the best
wasn’t a blade of grass out of place,” he conditioned course in South Africa.
COTSWOLD DOWNS
BIDS FAREWELL
TO PETER MILLER
Peter Miller (front) recently said fond
goodbyes to the team at Cotswold
Downs. Peter, who has managed the
KwaZulu-Natal club for the past three
years, was awarded honorary life mem-
bership of the club in recognition for the
excellent work he has done.
GCM
GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT
WAYNE KRAMBECK
begins new venture
Former group executive of golf for
PREFERRED
Pinnacle Holdings Wayne Krambeck has
started a new management company
S U P
P L I E R called Universal Golf Management Serv-
ices. “The business will specialise in
two fields,” he says. “The first being to
assist developers through the develop-
GOLFTIMESA
GolfTimeSA delivers online tee-time
reservations and golf club IT.
012 665 2299
www.golftimesa.co.za
ON COURSE GOLFING
SOLUTIONS
Suppliers of Prolink
GPS Management Systems.
082 901 6184
www.goprolink.com
CAREERS
Dean Whitsen, one of the famous trio of brothers who have made greenkeeping
their profession, makes a strong case for a school-leaver or even someone who is
looking at changing careers to consider becoming a course superintendent.
As depressed as the job market may currently will experience another boom in the not-too- the maintenance of these ‘manufactured’
be, the demand for suitably qualified turf distant future. When this happens, we are courses. These individuals would also design
managers has remained strong. The fact that likely to see a growth in related facilities and construct the new inland courses, teach
several companies are contracted to maintain such as driving ranges and pitch-and-putt golf, manufacture golf balls and clubs and
golf courses and many other recreational courses. In the meantime good groundsmen repair equipment. As every aspect of the golf
facilities requiring well-maintained turf are needed to maintain cricket pitches, rugby industry has changed dramatically over the
grass, would suggest that there is a short- fields, athletics facilities and many other years, greenkeeping has become a highly
age of individuals capable of taking on this sporting facilities, not to mention the many specialised profession, and more recently
responsibility. The huge investment recently government and institutional grounds. the course superintendent’s function has
made in soccer stadia prior to the World Cup The history of greenkeeping in golf as a changed and developed. In the 1950s it
is likely to boost the demand for greenkeep- profession is rather blurred, and earliest ref- was common for the greenkeeper to spend
ers even more and, while the construction of erences would suggest that when the game 90 percent of his time on the golf course,
many planned golf courses is likely to remain grew in popularity and moved from the tradi- but nowadays this time has been reduced
on hold until our economy picks up, there tional ‘linksland’ from which it had evolved to about 35 percent and he is expected to
can be no doubt that the golf estate market the golf professional became responsible for handle budgeting, scheduling, personnel
management, research, design and planning. superintendent is also required (or should be)
The days of a greenkeeper being little more involved in all long-term planning meetings.
than a glorified labourer have long gone, and He should report to one of (and only one) the
now those in charge of a club’s most valuable general manager, green’s chairman, owner or
asset have become important members of a director of golf. This is often a contentious
management team that is critical to the issue, but there should always be a clear
success of a private, public or estate club. chain of command – if he is expected to take
As the profiles of greenkeepers have instructions from managers, club captains or
changed, it is interesting to note that a survey every committee member this can only
conducted in the United States showed that cause problems.
the average greenkeeper was 41 years old, Besides being responsible for the main-
had been fully qualified for 11 years, and had tenance of the course and equipment, a
worked at two different courses during his ca- greenkeeper might also have to look after the
reer. Not surprisingly, this survey also showed likes of the golf cart fleet, the landscaping of
that those greenkeepers that had obtained the clubhouse grounds, tennis courts,
an advanced qualification and were certified swimming pools or other recreational facili-
earned higher salaries and could look forward ties, a sod farm and nursery and other areas.
to the opportunity of greater advancement. The administrative duties include the
The job description of greenkeepers does preparation of annual budgets and a range
vary from one position to another, but normal- of record-keeping that encompasses payroll,
ly they are entrusted with the maintenance, inventory, weather data, maintenance
operation and management of a golf course. procedures, pesticide applications, etc.
This can involve supervising construction A good greenkeeper will have an ad-
projects and well as general maintenance. vanced knowledge of agronomy and turfgrass
The job also encompasses the repair and management practices, a working knowledge
maintenance of construction equipment and of course construction principles, practices
the rendering of professional advice, opinions and methods, as well as a thorough under-
and assistance to the club’s board of directors standing of the rules and strategies of the
or managing body as required. The course game of golf. Besides having a high degree
of administrative skills, he should be able to university also offers short courses in turf-
solve problems and make decisions and have grass management, turf pest control, etc.
a good knowledge of laws and regulations The Environmental Institute for Golf On-
affecting all facets of golf course manage- line offers a range of courses, such as applied
ment, including those pertaining to safety, turfgrass physiology, advanced principles of
employment and environmental standards, to insect pest management, risk management
name just a few. and communication for golf course superin-
So how does one best go about launching tendents and many more.
a career in greenkeeping? The first step is Before choosing a career in greenkeep-
to find a job at a golf club, perhaps during ing, the person should realise that this will
a holiday or for a temporary period, as a involve long hours and a lot of hard work – as
member of the maintenance team. Another with other careers in golf, it is not nearly as
opportunity is to study at an American glamorous as it might appear, but the rewards
university, many of which offer internships are great. Yes, you will get to play golf, but not
at courses linked with the college. Tak- nearly as much as you might think. Work-
ing this route one is virtually guaranteed ing outdoors might seem attractive when
employment after the completion of one’s compared with being office-bound all day and
studies. But there are other ways of entering every day, but a considerable amount of time
the profession. Besides attending a college will be spent at your desk behind a compu-
or university that offers courses in green- ter. Being able to socialise and interact with
keeping (these should include at least a members of your club is another plus, as is the
diploma in golf greenkeeping or a diploma opportunity to be creative. You will certainly
in sports turf technology) and then pursu- learn many skills, and occasionally you will be
ing higher qualifications such as a diploma praised when your efforts are noticed. This job
in golf course management or a Bachelor does mean that your efforts can be physically
of Sciences degree in turfgrass sciences, seen, and in many ways you will be your own
a candidate can begin with an apprentice- boss. Should you become one of the best in
ship in the workplace and obtain experience your field you will be well rewarded financially,
before embarking on a formal education but if your aim is to get rich quickly, you had
process. There are online courses available better pursue another avenue. If are passion-
that can be done at home, or for example ate about working with nature, and can handle
the Tshwane University offers a Bachelors all the frustrations that this involves, welcome
degree in turfgrass management. The to the club. O
Virtually a different
POINT OF VIEW
Randpark’s Doug Bain takes a look at the much-maligned virtual clubs, golf
development, the role of provincial unions and our national governing body.
The mere mention of virtual clubs, golf increasing exponentially due to higher wage dare to join such a ‘loathsome’ organisa-
development and our sport’s administration demands, increased fuel and fertiliser costs tion. It has become tiresome listening to
invariably stirs up emotion, heated debate and a rand that never strengthens materially club officials that bemoan the ‘scourge’
and sometimes acrimonious discussion, to reduce the cost of new machinery. Not to that they believe the virtual clubs to be;
especially over Charles Glass’ finest at the mention our dear friends at Eskom with their for 10 years, at AGMs and other meetings,
19th hole. So why would I dare mix all these proposed 200 percent electricity tariff hike we have listened to the arguments against
up in one article? over the next three years. These, together these organisations.
While I was reading Jan Marais’ recent with many other factors, are forcing clubs to OVirtual clubs are here to stay, whether we
article (The changing face of the golf market, think a little out of the box, pushing them like or not, because there is a market for
GCM October 2009) I was reminded of an into turbulent waters and bringing on para- them and understandably so – why would
idea I shared with the CGGU and some Gau- digm shifts that even the most traditional of anyone want to cough up between
teng affiliated clubs at a recent meeting. clubs are instituting. R6 000 and R10 000 subs for a club
Firstly, I must applaud Mr Marais for a But are our amateur controlling bodies where they are likely to play less than five
most insightful, thought-provoking article; doing the same? We could ask what they are times a year?
one which contained many home truths doing to meet the demands and idiosyncra- OVirtual clubs do provide emerging golfers
and one that I am sure will not sit well with sies of an ever changing golfing environment. with a sense of belonging, a handicap and
some, especially our amateur controlling Are they thinking out of the box, as the they make the game both more affordable
bodies. But that is the curious thing about clubs are being forced to do? We have to and accessible for the occasional,
the truth – it often hurts. retain and grow affiliated golfers, and find beginner or corporate-day golfer.
I share all of Mr Marais’ views and ideas alternative sources of income rather than OTraditional clubs, rather than moaning
save for one; that is that the unions could simply looking to the clubs for special per- about the potential of losing members
or should downsize or perhaps splinter into round levies, and to the already subscription- to virtual clubs, should look at their own
smaller associations or governing bodies, burdened club members in terms of hiking house to see if it is in order, to see if their
each with fewer responsibilities than they the annual affiliation fees to cover, among facilities, service levels, retention strate-
have at present. other things, development expenditure? gies (value adds) and attention to detail is
I believe it high time that the unions and So where exactly am I going with all of up to scratch – if members are not proud
the SAGA take a far more active, strategic this? I would put the following on the table: of their club they will leave.
and synergistic role in the control and admin- OThe SAGDB has collapsed and I am not OUnions are, or should be, looking to initi-
istration of amateur golf in our country. even going to venture down the road as ate, drive and control their own develop-
In many cases this is happening – the to why. ment programmes at a regional level.
CGGU has embarked on a recent strategic OMost club managers and committees spit OJohann Rupert is sick and tired of throw-
planning session under the astute leadership blood at the mention of virtual clubs (and ing money down the bottomless develop-
of its president, Kevin du Preez. The SAGA, I by ‘virtual’ I include those societies who ment pit while the industry itself does not
believe has also formulated a long-term busi- do not have a golf course or are linked come to the party.
ness plan, something that should have been to a particular course via some form of
done years ago. agreement, ie those smaller clubs that So let us turn this whole virtual club thing on
Many clubs are facing the daunting com- offer cheap affiliation cards). I certainly its head, let’s turn a negative in our industry
bination of dwindling membership, ageing sympathise with the poor pro shop staff into a positive, and let’s remove the control
membership structures, reduced corporate who are forced to implement club pricing of the virtual club industry from the hands of
rounds, and fierce competition from many policy. In most cases this policy is aimed the unscrupulous capitalist opportunists who
golf estates. All the while, our expenses are to prejudice these poor souls who would have cheapened our industry and enriched
themselves and from those clubs who have Advantages of such a virtual club struc- membership is R1 800pa).
prostituted themselves by partnering with ture/culture are or should be made to be: OIf 20 000 of these joined the Union Play-
these organisations. OGiving clubs access to the database of ers Societies about R20 million would flow
I would like to see each union initiate its such virtual members who live in their into the coffers of the unions nationwide,
own virtual club or golfer’s society. “Oh my catchment areas. providing a healthy cash flow for develop-
sack,” I hear you say. “That’s going to put OUnion control over these player’s handi- ment programmes and more.
the unions in conflict with the very clubs caps and non-score entry. OUnions would no longer be sceptical about
they represent”. Not if it is done in a con- OClubs can dictate entry criteria. the union fees they are being paid by
structive and consultative manner. Surely it ODisciplinary procedures involving these these virtual clubs as they will have
is far more beneficial to see the control and players can be more effectively managed inherent control over this.
income of the virtual club industry vested because the unions are more likely to care OKnowing that these members are contrib-
with the unions. about such issues compared to a virtual uting directly to golf in the country, espe-
The clubs control the policy and constitu- club driven by maximising profits. cially development, I like to believe that
tion of the unions, the unions are there to OIt has been estimated that we have about clubs would be far more accepting of a
represent the clubs and to implement policy 170 000 affiliated golfers in the country. Union Player Society member in their pro
of which the clubs approve. (Well, that is When you see that the likes of Observatory shops than a member of Tweebuffelsmet-
how it should be anyway; if regions have GC (PlaymoregolfSA affiliation), Hillside whateverfontein GC.
a cart-before-the-horse structure whereby GC and Akasia have 4 734, 2 386 and
they dictate to the clubs, then it is up to the 3 360 members respectively, I reckon, Now if you were the habitual golf day
clubs to change this anomaly.) Therefore it is conservatively, that 25 000 of these are pot-hunter looking to secure that
the clubs themselves that would ultimately ‘virtual club’ members paying an average commercial handicap or a genuine occa-
control the virtual club members. of R1 000pa (PlaymoregolfSA’s cheapest sional golfer looking for a cheap affiliation,
would you rather join Woods’ Tangle GC,
Plaasbad GC or the Union Players Society
which is endorsed by the SAGA and all
affiliated clubs – no more fights in the pro
shop, no more being made to feel like a
second-class golfer.
And if you are a club, would you rather
take a booking from a member of Skukuza
(who has never laid eyes on an impala let
alone Kruger Park’s famous golf course),
Helmut Schumacher from Worcester on his
annual golfing holiday to SA that definitely
does not include a round in that picturesque
Boland town or Phillipoulis Gerhardus Janse
van Rensburg Jnr from Akasia GC who, like
me, has no idea which union he is affiliated
to, let alone where Akasia is.
Clubs are responsible for the make-up
of union executive committees and in turn
the SAGA and we should ensure that these
comprise a healthy balance of expertise, eg
lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, senior
managers, etc.
Just like clubs, they need a healthy mix
of strategic thinkers and visionaries to make
brave decisions today that guarantee success
and sustainability tomorrow.
Personally I believe the unions will not be
brave enough to endorse such a paradigm
shift, but no-one can deny the financial
opportunity that exists which does not have
to be at the expense of clubs as these type of
societies already exist – rather let’s bring all
Doug Bain is the CEO of Randpark Golf Club and is currently the CMASA’s Manager of the Year. these ‘virtual’ members into a few societies
controlled by the unions. O
Greenmaker is a natural mineral comprising the vitality of the new sod proved that the OOptimum water and air management
99 percent clinoptilolite, a member of zeolite root system was relishing the effects of the OFewer problems during drought conditions
family – a group of minerals that are most product. The cost of treating this 30sqm area OLess mould
useful for acting as chemical ‘sieves’, as well with Greenmaker came to R7 200. OLimited thatch build-up
as being highly effective as a water-retainer. Greenmaker is capable of absorbing up to OBetter rooting and vitality
Recent testing of this wonder product would 70 percent of its own weight in water and nu- OA reduction in maintenance
suggest that this eco-friendly substance more trients and minerals, and then slowly releases OBetter water absorption
that substantiates the importer’s claims. these nutrients into the root zone. The product OOptimum nutrient delivery
At Orlando Stadium, one of the premier absorbs 660 litres of water per cubic metre. OAccelerated turf development
venues that will be used during the 2010 The three-dimensional structure and the nature OVertical drainage
World Cup, the experiments with Greenmaker, of the material allows for up to 15 times the OA reduction in leaching-out of fertilizers
conducted by contractor Turftek, came up amount of absorption of nitrogen and potas- and turf protection substances
trumps. In the first experiment, an area in sium. The product also retards the leaching out
the shaded portion of the pitch alongside of minerals. Importantly, Greenmaker is proven Greenmaker, developed in the Nether-
the touchline, where severe compaction was to absorb and bind harmful heavy metals such lands, has been backed up with considerable
preventing adequate drainage, an area was as zinc, manganese, lead and nickel. research undertaken by the University of Ap-
verti-drained using 20mm times to a depth of The correct application of Greenmaker has plied Agriculture and has been analysed by
150mm. A dressing mix, comprising 150kg the following results: laboratories such as TNO and STRI, the most
of Greenmaker and 0.08m³ of soil, was ap- OImproved stability recent studies taking place in January 2009.
plied. After three treatments, with 450kg of OPermanent improvement in structure The product has now been recommended by
Greenmaker applied, it was very clear that the of the growing medium the USGA. O
drainage has improved dramatically and the
turf was much healthier than it had ever been.
In the area most prone to wear and tear, in More information on this revolutionary
the goal mouth, an area of 30sqm was dug up product can be obtained from Anthea van Breemen:
and 20 percent mixture was prepared using Tel: 082 773 1960
1.2 tons of Greenmaker with the soil. The new E-mail: anthea@avbmarketing.co.za
turf sods were planted on top of this. Again, Website: www.greenmaker.nl
SAGA HANDICAP
GOLF CLUB SAGA WEBSITE
SERVER
STATE-OF–THE-ART SYSTEM support for the hardware and software them with a similar agreement, but this time
Under the terms of a five-year contract, installed on the hardware at each club. between the SAGA and each golf club, in
Albatros, who are to set up a South African By the start of February 2010 the SAGA which the SAGA, through the SAGA handicap
company to fulfill its obligations, will provide handicap server will have been populated server, will fulfil its obligation to provide
the hardware (file servers), the software and with all current data of all affiliated golfers the golf club with a handicap system and a
the expertise to develop the SAGA handicap and golf clubs. By this time, a piece of soft- means of providing its affiliated golfers with
server system. It will provide a state-of-the- ware will have been remotely downloaded, a handicap. The SAGA has ensured that the
art system that will enable the SAGA to fulfil by Albatros onto terminals at all golf clubs, new system will not cost the individual golfer
its various objectives, including, among oth- ready for activation on an agreed date. This more than is stipulated in the current NGN
ers, managing the affiliated golfer by means will provide the new and user-friendly web and club agreement. The handicap fee for
of a unique identification system provided
by the SAGA handicap card, providing a “... an inextricable link between the
statistical basis for the revision of the SAGA
handicap system, providing affiliated golf
SAGA Handicap Server, the SAGA website, golf
clubs and the affiliated golfer with a facility clubs and affiliated golfers is created...”
to query a given affiliated golfer’s handicap,
and enabling stakeholders like affiliated golf interface used by golfers and golf clubs to the first year is R100 (including VAT) and
clubs and golfers to extract data, both interact with the SAGA handicap server. from there on in accordance with the NGN
current and historical. As mentioned earlier, the SAGA will and club agreements.
To do this, Albatros will house its file issue new SAGA affiliation cards which will The NGN and club agreements will remain
servers in South Africa. It will be setting up operate as the new official handicap card. valid, meaning that those golf clubs under
an office in Cape Town, initially, Durban and This will replace the current SAGA affiliation contract remain bound to the terms of the
Johannesburg. A call centre will be cards (black cards branded with the Srixon agreements irrespective of the fact that they
established in South Africa as well. logo). The current handicap card (a black are being assigned to the SAGA.
card branded Srixon) will operate on the The upshot of the system is that an in-
WEBSITE OVERHAUL swipe card readers at golf clubs to start with, extricable link between the SAGA handicap
A critical development in the overall picture however, after an agreed period of time, only server, the SAGA website, golf clubs and
is that the SAGA website is going to be the new SAGA handicap card will be affiliated golfers is created, enabling each
overhauled. The objective will be to create a recognised as the official handicap card. to operate optimally, while strengthening
‘must-go-to’ golf portal for news, informa- As these current NGN and club agree- the whole, all to the benefit of South
tion, scores, etc, but also a dynamic site ments expire, the SAGA intends replacing African golf. O
where golfers can access their handicaps
and handicapping information. To facili-
tate the effective operation of this service,
there will be a strong working relationship
between Albatros and an SAGA-appointed
website partner.
NGN AGREEMENTS
WITH GOLF CLUBS
The final element to the picture is how
individual golf clubs fit into or link to the
SAGA handicap server and the SAGA website.
As far as the SAGA’s buy-out of contracts
between NGN and golf clubs is concerned,
the SAGA, through its partner Albatros, will
fulfil all of the technical obligations NGN has
been required to fulfil in terms of the NGN
club agreement, only in relation to handicap
services. The SAGA will provide replacement
hardware for clubs on a regular basis going
forward. This hardware will be given to Alba-
tros that in turn will ensure that golf clubs re-
ceive the hardware and that it is successfully
installed on behalf of the SAGA and operates
reliably. Furthermore, Albatros will ensure that
golf clubs receive adequate
Go green,
Go solar!
ADVERT Self-adhesive, golf cart solar panel
technology is now available in South Africa.
Manufactured from revolutionary ‘amorphous silicon’, these easy-to install
panels are flexible, lightweight, almost unbreakable and able to produce
watts constantly during direct sunlight, under artificial/fluorescent lighting,
in cloudy or shady conditions – and even during rain or stormy weather!
est New
Voted ‘B he Year’
t Increase the endurance of your golf cart or fleet by 30% or more
Produc
t Of T
A t Improve your cart’s range between charges
009 PG t Extend battery life by up to two years
at the 2 e Show
nd is
Mercha , Florida!
ndo
t Reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact
in Orla t Minimise your consumption of utility power by going solar
STRATEGIES
FOR SURVIVAL
Sandy Burnard, general manager of Kloof Country Club and executive
committee member of CMASA, suggests a few survival measures that can
insulate a club against the ravages of an economic downturn.
A strong club is one that can ride out the for cash don’t buy it. Should you want to up- other clubs in your area and reach agreements
tough times. We need to make sure that our grade your facilities or improve your course, to give reciprocity rounds of golf on certain
plan is able to handle the soft economy or an put a plan in place to do these upgrades and days at certain times. Members like to play
industry slump and we should have built-in improvements when you can afford them. different courses, so let them have the oppor-
flexibility within our plan in order to react tunity to do so. Get your members on board
quickly and nimbly in the face of change. DIVERSIFY with regards to finding and introducing new
Your club’s constitution may not allow you to members by offering a club-specific incentive
MAXIMISE YOUR CASH IN introduce new categories. Sit with your com- for every member they introduce.
THE BANK AND GET OUT mittee and come up with new and cheaper
OF DEBT membership categories, call a special AGM SERVICE
Remember that cash is king! Ensure that your and introduce them as soon as possible. Clubs Good customer service will differentiate you
members pay their fees upfront and perhaps need to get their members back, especially from another club or similar enterprise. In an
introduce upfront greenfee options that allow from virtual clubs! We can offer them better economic slowdown your members may be
members to play as many rounds as they like facilities and a place where they belong for looking to cut costs as well. If you can, boost
at a reduced fee. By doing this you get your a very competitive price. Just ensure you do your customer service efforts towards exist-
money upfront, and with cash you can pay your homework when introducing new catego- ing members and be transparent with them
your suppliers. Clubs can no longer afford to ries. When it comes to rounds of golf, go in a regarding the importance of them being mem-
carry debtor’s books. Don’t allow members to different direction – offer summer specials, bers. If you do this it’s more likely they’ll stay
run up accounts, let the members load their winter specials, Christmas specials, etc. Know you with during the slowdown and support you
accounts with cash and then they can spend your average rounds per day as well, come and your management team. Do a survey –
the credit they have. Allowing members to up with specials to attract your members and ask you members what they want – then act.
have accounts at the club is not a good idea their visitors on the off-peak days and maxim- STAY IN TOUCH: Let your members know you
because it means employing more staff to ise your round capacity on the course during value their business by reaching out to them.
work in your accounts department to collect these times. Think out of the box! Use newsletters, postcards and SMS.
money every month. Often this causes bad MAKE GREAT SERVICE A PRIORITY: Excellent
debt and legal fees when handing members BE AGGRESSIVE customer service requires training your staff
over for collection. If you can afford to do it, a slowdown can be and constantly reinforcing the message that
We read articles all the time stating our the perfect time to introduce a new product customers come first. Start with the little
economy is at a low and that we must get or category of membership that makes your things, such as a standard way of politely
out of debt. We all try to apply this to our club attractive. Surprise the industry and your greeting your members when they arrive. One
personal lives but forget that our clubs need competition while they’re busy worrying about of the most important customer strategies is
to do the same. If you can’t afford to buy it their own future. At the same time work with to set up a system for responding to members
Kloof Country Club’s turnover has dropped some nine percent in recent times, which does not include rounds lost because of the infamous mist coming
down, but Sandy’s disciplined fiscal policy means that the club has remained in the black.
and visitors enquiries or complaints. The last this kind of information. It is good to identify a good back-up plan ready and never over
thing you want is for your employees to provide your members that are supporting the club in react. You need to be a strong character to
inaccurate information to members or visitors, all areas and reward them. survive in this industry.
fail to provide a solution to a problem or quote
policies that may not address the situation. INVOLVE YOUR EMPLOYEES DON’T ABANDON FUTURE DE-
Your goal should be to resolve issues during You may be surprised to find that your VELOPMENTS OR UPGRADING
the initial customer contact or, when that’s employees are willing to assist with ways to The costliest mistake you can make during
not possible, within one business day. If this cut costs and improve service and products a rough period is to focus entirely on cutting
is also not possible, keep in contact with the at your club. Smart employees realise their costs to survive and abandoning new devel-
member or visitor until such time as the issue job status is tied to the overall health of the opments or upgrades. Keep up to date with
is resolved. Do not leave customers hanging. club. Communicate with them, show them repairs and maintenance. New categories of
Staff need to know exactly where to look or respect and involve them in the decisions. membership or improving your facilities can
who to go to for answers. While it’s natural for Without your dedicated employees you don’t help differentiate you. When times improve,
new employees to rely on the wisdom of more have a club. Empower them! you don’t want to be caught with an empty
experienced ones, you don’t want all that wis- As a manager at your club, it is important development pipeline. Ensure that your plan
dom to walk out the door when someone quits. to keep your chin up, don’t always think is set out correctly and don’t plan any of your
MANAGE MEMBER/CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS: about the failure or what could fail – be posi- major capital spend in the first four months
Try to develop a history on your members. tive, take all employees into confidence, get of the year! First see how many members
You can do this by ensuring you have the cor- strength from your employees and members, resign and how many you gain before
rect computer system that allows you to get keep all communication channels open, have spending on capex items. O
Tel: +27 (0)11 482 7542 Fax: 088 (0)11 482 7542 Cell: 082 457 8235 E-mail: gm@clubmanagement.co.za
DE ZALZE
Sound structure and
strategy breeds success
De Zalze’s CEO Dave Hansen brought a wealth of experience in the
leisure/hospitality industry to De Zalze Golf Club, and together with his
highly motivated team he sets the example of what a 5-Star Golf
Experience is all about.
Oudtshoorn-born Dave Hansen may have chain. During his years as a manager and course was first opened for play in 2001,
come from an area famous for its ostriches, a partner, and later as an owner-operator, and while the estate was being developed,
but when it comes to running his golf club besides acquiring a range of business skills, the golf operation treaded out of temporary
he has never been one to stick his head in he learned a thing or two about people; those premises without any real customer facili-
the sand. Beginning his working career in that worked for him and those who were his ties. But once the clubhouse was opened in
the oil industry, in 1981 he became involved customers. 2003, De Zalze became recognised as one of
in a successful Squires Loft restaurant Beginning its life as Spier CC, De Zalze’s South Africa’s premium golfing facilities. Of
SETTING THE
De Zalze might have been on the Winelands
golfing map since late 2000, but it was only
last year that the club officially opened its
STANDARD
membership to golfers who were not property
owners on the estate. “It seemed fitting to
‘start’ things off properly,” said GM of De
Zalze Dave Hansen, “so we decided to organ-
ise a chairman’s dinner.” And in true ‘Hansen’
style, it wasn’t your run-of-the-mill club event.
The De Zalze clubhouse was designed
with such events in mind, and a more perfect
De Zalze’s recent captain’s dinner has set new standards by simply venue would be hard to find – the outside
showing that a little extra effort can result in a five-star function with patio area flowing into the spacious indoor
all the bells and whistles. lounge area that allowed the 90-plus mem-
bers and guests (who included WP Rugby
chairman Pat Kuhn, Andre Markgraaff and a
select few Stormers) to wine and dine with
plenty of elbow room.
With MC Casey Galloway guiding the way,
the three past chairman of De Zalze, Ivan
Palframan, Johan van Reenen and Flip du
Plessis, all had the opportunity to pay tribute
to the club’s history. After dinner, the as-
sembled guests were entertained by Compleat
Golfer’s editor Brandon de Kock as the main
speaker, who explained his appearance thus,
“Clearly Dave blew the budget on the food
and wine!” And although it might have been
meant as a joke, a cursory glance at what was
on offer revealed a standard that will be very
hard to equal by any club in the country.
Wines for the evening included the best of
Retief Goosen, Waterford, Kevin Arnold, Spier
Private Collection, Kleine Zalze (naturally) and
Waarburg. And for the malt fans, Alan Schu-
man of Bell’s got his mates at Brandhouse
to add a bottle of Bell’s Special Reserve to
each table and throw in a tasting of Singleton,
Talisker and Glenkinchie single-malts.
As for the cuisine side of things, try a me-
ticulously presented seafood starter and a per-
fectly medium-rare ribeye steak and frites for
mains, prepared by Craig Cormack and Bertus
Basson from the award-winning Overture
restaurant in Hidden Valley Wine Estate. Oh,
and let’s not forget a selection of fine cigars to
finish off with – at cost!
It must be remembered that Dave and his
team have spent years building up relation-
ships with the various wineries and chefs in
the area, but still, the evening simply proved
that your average ‘captain’s dinner’ really can
be something very special. And although it
would be crass to talk costs for the evening,
one guest’s comment summed things up rather
neatly, “You know, The Goose Expression
Dave Hansen, who is also our club manager of the month in this issue, was an exemplary host. retails for about R250 – and that’s more than
we paid tonight for a seat!” Enough said. O