GCM

APRIL 2010

The
Business

VOLUME 
t
ISSUE 4
MAGAZINE
FOR THE GOLF INDUSTRY
GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT Visit www.compleatgolfer.co.za for back issues of GCM

Selborne
BACK TO ITS BEST

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

O Water consumption
O 2010 legislative changes

O The water-saving and carbon-storage debate

O Beating Kikuyu Patch

GCM IS PRINTED ON BROUGHT TO YOU BY

 EDITOR’S LETTER
CONTENTS
BIRDIES AND BOGEYS
News from the last month 4
TURF MANAGEMENT
Wetting agents 7
CLUB PROFILE

FROM
Selborne 8
TREES FOR COURSES
The carbon/water debate 12

THE EDITOR
HUMAN RESOURCES
Keeping abreast of legislation 15
THE ENVIRONMENT
Monitoring your waster consumption 15
MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Tish Robinson of Southbroom 20 MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE AND PATS ON THE BACK
The GCM Golf Conference held at Country after Germany’s successful hosting of the last
COURSE MANAGEMENT
Beating Kikuyu Patch 22 Club Johannesburg was by all accounts a World Cup and Sydney’s Olympics. In both
success, and for the first time most of the events the thousands of visitors had only
THE LAST WORD
major interest groups got together to discuss praise for the host nations and felt that they
The golf conference at CCJ 30
matters of mutual interest. A fair bit of terrain were not only made to feel most welcome,
was covered, from what the average golfer but were charged reasonable rates for
COVER PICTURE
Flood damage at Selborne. really wants, the virtual club debate, and accommodation and never felt that suppliers
of course that thorny issue of handicap- of goods and services were trying to make a
O EDITORIAL
ping. I heard from more than one delegate quick buck while demand was at an all-time
JOHN BOTHA that this indaba could have easily gone on high. While we cannot influence the roads
E-mail: bogeyfree@mweb.co.za for two days, but this was an encouraging departments, safety and security arrange-
Cell: 082 498 7380 start. Smaller, but no less important GCM ments or some idiot flogging knife-proof
O PUBLISHER workshops will be held in different regions vests, we can certainly present our golf facili-
SIMON TURCK throughout the year. We firmly believe that ties in the best possible light, which brings
E-mail: simon@ramsaymedia.co.za the value of this cross-pollination of ideas and me to the 5-Star Golf Experience Awards.
Cell: 083 252 8387 the networking opportunities make these This year we welcomed new clubs into
O ADVERTISING get-togethers worthwhile. what is an elite group, and while there will
JAMES FERRANS (NATIONAL SALES MANAGER) The FIFA World Cup, and its possible always be those who discount the whole idea
E-mail: jamesf@ramsaymedia.co.za influence on golf, dominated the afternoon of honouring the crème de la crème, most in
Cell: 084 252 6373 session, and while at the time of going to the industry (including the clubs that have
NICKY MEARS (ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE) print we did not have accurate figures on the not managed to qualify for their status as a
E-mail: nickym@ramsaymedia.co.za number of golfers expected during the 5-Star Experience) have embraced the idea
Cell: 082 927 5408 soccer extravaganza, it is safe to say that we of raising their levels of service.
To request your copy of GCM, subscribe to are going to have a lot more than we usually We are formulating the system which will
Compleat Golfer by calling 0860 100 205 expect at this time of year. It was rather be used for evaluating clubs for what I believe
(indicating that you would like to be placed on the mind-boggling to learn that some 50 000 should be the most important award of all
GCM mailing list) or go to www.compleatgolfer.co.za
members of the media will be in South Africa – Green Star Status. In the meantime, I will
to download your free copy.
to cover the event, and if only a tiny portion again make an appeal to clubs to furnish us
A monthly business-to-business magazine
brought to you by of the expected two million fans decide to with whatever information they may have to
play a round of golf or two, we could see assist us in compiling our Tree Register for SA
some serious and much-needed revenue be- Golf Courses. We do not expect a full audit in-
ing generated. Are we ready for this once-in- cluding every tree, but simply a guide to what
a-lifetime event? Time will tell, but the advice alien and invasive trees have been earmarked
from those who have experienced this event for removal, and which indigenous trees have
first-hand is clear: if we snooze, we lose. been planted. If your club has plans
The true value to the tourism industry of for a tree-planting programme
any international event hosted by a country we would like to hear from
is usually only realised two years later, when you, and our experts will
those original first-time visitors (hopefully) be happy to assist in any
return for another holiday. This was seen way possible.

Golf Club Management April 2010 3

BIRDIES AND BOGEYS

SIX WISE MEN AND A LADY

One of the panels at the Golf Conference Glendower and the CMASA’s Paul Leish-
held at CCJ made up of (from the left) man, Errol Mills (vice president, Central
Randpark’s Doug Bain, SAGA’s Bruce Gauteng Union), two-time Major winner
Younge, Stephen Reardon of PlayMoreGolf, Sally Little and the PGA’s Dennis Bruyns.

THIRSTY WORK
Chairman of RamsayMedia Alan
Ramsay (left) and the publisher of
Compleat Golfer and GCM Simon
Turck, engaging in some carbo-loading
before getting down to some serious
networking during the Golf Conference
at Country Club Johannesburg.

5-STAR GOLF EXPERIENCE AWARD FOR GLENDOWER

Glendower’s golf course has long been burg course receiving Compleat Golfer’s
rated as one of the finest in the country, 5-Star Golf Experience Award. Other new
and changes to the course and club- additions to the existing group that ‘made
house, together with service excellence the cut’ were Simbithi, Prince’s Grant,
in every department, saw the Johannes- Randpark, Vaal de Grace and Zebula.

THE GLENDOWER TEAM (BACK ROW FROM LEFT): Stan Michel, Taryn Boeders, Paul Leishman, Larry
Bredenkamp, Andy Trulcuck and Rudy Whifield. Front row: Gavan Levenson, Elias Mokadi, Thabiso
Lei and Tima Perreira.
NEW MANAGER AT
KYALAMI CC
Charles Etherington-Smith has taken
over as GM at Kyalami Country Club.
Charles is certainly not a new face
at the club, having been a member
there for more than 20 years as well
as serving on the club’s committee.
His experience in the IT industry, as
well as owning a custom furniture
manufacturing business, more than
equips him to run this successful
operation. His knowledge of the club
culture and the workings of back-of-
house acquired while sitting on the
committee means that his takeover
from previous GM Pierre Brink has
been a seamless one.

4 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 BIRDIES AND BOGEYS

KNYSNA DISASTER
The fire that gutted Knysna Golf Club’s
clubhouse was reported on in last
month’s GCM. This photograph illustrates
the violence of the fire that consumed
the newly revamped facility.

THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

At the Compleat Golfer Annual Awards Course Superintendent of the Year and
Dinner held in February, Gordon John- was congratulated by GCM’s editor ALL WORK AND NO PLAY?
ston of Serengeti (right) was elected as John Botha. A group of managers from South
African golf clubs recently dragged
themselves away from their daily
grind to enjoy a spot of golf in Mau-
GERMAN PRECISION ritius. Pictured here (from the left) is
One of the speakers at the GCM Golf Dave Usendorff, his fiancé Elri, Mar-
Conference was Jurgen Kögl, an gie Dolgoy and Jeremy Mamet. The
engineer-turned-stock-broker who has group visited the island courtesy of
had extensive experience in dealing Air Mauritius, Heritage Resorts and
with Fifa. He acted as a business Travelers Choice, and the trip was
consultant for Deutche Telecom that arranged by host Stephen Shearer
sponsored Germany’s hosting of the of Golf du Chateau. Management of
World Cup and he also consults for Blair Atholl, Serengeti, Pecanwood
Anhauser-Busch, that produces Bud- and Steenberg were included in
weiser, the official beer of the world’s the junket – nice work when you
biggest sporting event. can get it! ■

Golf Club Management April 2010 5

 TURF MANAGEMENT

WETTING
ANGENTS
Marinus van Luytgaarden discusses how to overcome hydrophobia and conserve water.
Researchers generally agree that water particle surfaces within the medium and shows little or no elasticity or resilience.
repulsion (hydrophobia) in soils is caused allows the medium to retain its ability to Surfactants are well documented for the
by a range of hydrophobic organic materi- uniformly wet out for several days or weeks. management of water repulsion (hydro-
als that form non-polar ‘coatings’ on sand Water can then freely infiltrate and drain phobicity) in thatch and soils, and for the
particles. Decomposing plant materials, mi- from a medium. It surprises many people to enhancement of soil hydration in man-
crobial deposits, organic acids and fungal learn that drainage is actually enhanced by aged turf grass. The use of soil surfactants
hyphae have all been identified as possible the use of a quality wetting agent. If drain- has been suggested as a tool to improve
sources of hydrophobic organic materials. age is properly enhanced, it is much less irrigation efficiency and water conservation,
When a soil particle coated with hydropho- likely that a medium will remain overly wet saving as much as 50 percent water usage
bic organic materials becomes dry, the normal near the root zone. on clay soils.
polar characteristic of the soil is changed to a
non-polar surface. Water molecules, because SURFACTANTS GOOD WATER MANAGEMENT
of their polar nature, tend to aggregate Wetting agents are also called surfactants. One of the keys to effective water conser-
towards other polar molecules rather than the The word ‘surfactant’ is actually formed vation involves maximising the amount of
non-polar sites of water-repellent surfaces. from the words: surface active agent. Qual- water entering the turfgrass root zone, and
Therefore, since there is no polar entity to ity wetting agents from reputable manufac- its storage and availability once in the root
move towards, water molecules at the water turers are very thoroughly tested and evalu- zone. Management tactics include reducing
boundary tend to move inward towards the ated, which ensures that plants growing transpiration, reducing evaporation, increas-
bulk of other water molecules. This is the in the medium are not adversely affected ing infiltration, reducing ‘ponding’, optimising
molecular basis of water repulsion. by the wetting agent. Wetting agents used retention in the root zone, and controlling
in the turf industry should be non-ionic (ie water movement below the root zone (leach-
WATER REPULSION with no net electrical charge) to avoid ing). Good water management is critical, and
Water repulsion in soils can result in a possible root injury. it goes without saying that a good wetting
number of problems caused by poor water agent programme using quality, well-tested
movement patterns. The most obvious SOIL WATER REPULSION wetting agents should be followed throughout
effect of water repulsion is the reduction Soil water repulsion is a common phenom- the year in warmer regions. ■

of infiltration rates. Additionally, hydration enon in highly managed golf course soils
(wetting) and distribution of applied water and may severely impact turfgrass quality
and chemicals can be quite irregular and and playability. Turfgrass managers and
incomplete. Turf decline, localised dry researchers recognise water repulsion as a
spots, poor drainage and non-uniform turf consistent management problem in most
quality have also been linked to water soils. Sources of these hydrophobic materi-
repulsion in soil profiles. als may include accumulated plant-derived
Water repulsion is often viewed organic matter (thatch, decomposing
inaccurately as a condition that: roots, decomposing plant tissues and root
■ Occurs only in a limited number of exudates), plant-derived waxes and organic
soil profiles acids, fungal hyphae, microbial organic
■ Impacts small areas only (ie localised acids and polysaccharides.
dry spots) Symptoms of turf affected by localised
■ Occurs at the surface of the soil profile Dry Spot or LDS range from a mild discol-
■ Occurs only in summer months oration to serve wilting and can even result
in death of the turf plant. Turf in advanced
A wetting agent imparts a ‘film’ to all of the stages of LDS is often brown in colour and

Golf Club Management April 2010 7

CLUB PROFILE

Selborne
ON THE MEND

The course is now as good as

it ever was, and changes have
left the layout better equipped
to handle high rainfall.

unusually high amounts of rainfall than after

It has been some time since 48-hour period,” he says. There were obvi-
the water has receded. ous problem areas that were likely to always
floods ravaged Selborne, but Courses that have natural waterways be vulnerable to flooding, and much of the
during GCM’s recent visit to running through them, or those that are repair work had to take this into account
built on the banks of rivers, have all ex- – the strategy of much of the reconstruc-
this beautiful and underrated perienced the full wrath of Mother Nature tion was based on how best to prepare for
course on the South Coast of during times of abnormally high rainfall. future flooding. “Most of the changes to
KwaZulu-Natal, it was clear (See GCM’s September 2008 issue, which bunker complexes and areas that took the
covered the disaster caused by flooding at brunt of the excess water were changed in
that not only has the damage Port Shepstone’s course.) an attempt to divert water, and hopefully if
been repaired, but the layout In the case of Selborne’s disaster of June we were to have heavy rainfall in the future
is now better equipped to 2008, matters were made worse by the we will have less damage to deal with,”
fact that once reconstruction of damaged says Panton-Jones, who in addition to his
handle flooding in the future. areas had begun, another flood occurred. duties as manager also oversees the course
“The original damage came after about maintenance.
Golf clubs on the Highveld got a taste of 600 millimetres of rain fell within a period Visitors to Selborne will be pleasantly sur-
what heavy rainfall can do to their courses of 48 hours,” says Selborne’s manager prised to see that this magnificent course
during January and February, and while Glyn Panton-Jones (who was then part of is now back to its best, and as a golfing
some fared better than others, there are the Matkovich and Hayes team that was experience this venue is high on the list of
always lessons to be learned. It is of course commissioned to repair the damage). “The most golfers’ favourites.
impossible to ‘flood-proof’ any course, but second flood, soon after we had cleaned up Selborne as it is today, was the brainchild
there is no better time to assess problem and repaired the major damage, happened of developer Denis Barker, and has earned
areas and to find ways of dealing with after another 250 millimetres fell during a its place in South Africa’s golfing history

8 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 CLUB PROFILE

by being the very first golf estate. The 80

hectares land which the estate occupies
“IT IS OF COURSE IMPOSSIBLE TO
originally belonged to Lord Selborne (hence ‘FLOOD-PROOF’ ANY COURSE...”
the name), who acquired the estate in the
mid-1850s. The impressive Manor House,
which now forms part of the hotel, was built
in 1954 by Vernon Crookes as the official
residence for the MD of Reynolds Bros. Ltd,
the company that operated the local Sezela
sugar mill.
Denis Barker bought the estate in 1979
as a family home and operated a Fayden
jersey stud farm there. In 1985 Barker’s
dream of developing a luxury golf estate
became a reality, and when the course was
opened in 1987 it was hailed as a triumph
of design and construction.
In 1996 construction giant Grinaker-LTA
purchased the estate, turning the Manor
House into part of a 52-room hotel which was
managed by Southern Sun. In 2001 a consor-
tium which included members of the Barker The devastation left in the wake of the
flooding – and just when the major
family purchased the estate from Grinaker- reconstruction was nearing completion,
LTA, but subsequently sold its investment to another flood wreaked havoc.
the New Selborne Investment Company. ■

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MAYFORD PROMOTION

course want to take advantage of the cost

benefits of seeding.
Seed is inexpensive, light and cost-
effective to transport. You are also far more
likely to be able to comply with the necessary
phytosanitary regulations associated with
crossing international borders when trans-
porting seed compared to a growing plant
with soil attached to it.
Princess is set to prove itself invaluable as

THE ROYAL
golf course turf. This seeded Bermuda hybrid
can be mown long or short – from five to 38
millimetres – and is not susceptible to thatch
build-up. The low-mowing height, fine texture
and fast recovery rate makes Princess perfect

TOUCH
for use on tee-boxes, fairways and green
surrounds. Princess is comparable to the oth-
er vegetative hybrids and can be used for all
general lawn requirements, sports fields and
parks as it has already proved on a number of
completed projects in South Africa.
Princess displays a rich green colour
without the blue/grey tinge that is char-
acteristic to the ‘old’ varieties and it has
MayFord is synonymous with quality and with over excellent autumn colour retention. The
colour is similar to that of the vegetatively
three decades of producing and supplying only the propagated Cynodon hybrids. Princess has
best lawn seed, the respect is well deserved. good drought resistance with decreased
water usage which is vital in a country like
In keeping with its commitment to bring vegetatively propagated species (Cynodon ours where we are never sure when the next
the latest advances in breeding to landscap- transvaalensis) and less labour intensive. crippling drought will take hold. ■

ers and greenkeepers, MayFord recently With a labour shortage looming, landscap- For more information contact the MayFord
launched Princess, the first seeded Bermuda ers and greenkeepers are beginning to feel Professional Turf Helpline: 0861 100 458.
F1-Hybrid. Cynodon dactylon has come a the pressure and already-tight deadlines are
long way over the past 10 years. MayFord being squeezed even more. ‘Princess’ will
started with Jackpot® and the widely ac- enable the contractor to complete projects
claimed Southern Star® followed. While both in less time and far more cost effectively.
hybrids proved to be both popular and highly Princess is available as seed, obtain-
effective, Princess is in a league of its own. able directly from MayFord. Alternatively, a
Princess offers all the qualities that are number of instant-lawn suppliers also offer
important in turf – high summer den- it in sod form. This flexibility means that
sity, rich colour and outstanding quality. high-profile areas can be established by in-
Essentially it is a fine-textured Bermuda stant lawn and lower-intensity areas can be
hybrid, which compares extremely well seeded. You may also choose sod over seed
with vegetatively propagated Cynodon when the slope is very steep and sensitive
hybrids. Princess is easier to establish than to erosion. Wherever possible you would of PICTURED ABOVE: Princess mixture

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t
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Postal address: PO Box 160, Lanseria, 1748
DISCLAIMER: This information is based on our observations and/or information from other sources. As crop performance depends on the interaction between the genetic potential of the seed, its
physiological characteristics, and the environment, including management, we give no warranty express or implied, for the performance of crops relative to the information given nor do we accept
any liability for any loss, direct or consequential, that may arise from whatsoever cause. Please read the Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Conditions of Sale before ordering seed.

10 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 EQUIPMENT NEWS

HYBRID
INNOVATION
Jacobsen’s Eclipse 322 is the equipment
manufacturer’s latest offering and features a
expensive to operate and maintain.
With the possibility of disastrous
hybrid or battery-powered system that prom- hydraulic leaks eliminated, this
ises increased savings, as well as claiming quiet, fuel-efficient machine is
superior quality of cut. The hybrid system, arguably the most eco-friendly
we are told, is simpler, faster and less example in its class.

TIME IS MONEY The Speed Link system from John Deere

makes the adjustment of cutting reel heights
a breeze, and the company claims that in the
time it previously took to adjust one mower,
the reels on a fleet can now be adjusted. The
linking bar connects both sides of the roller to a
high-reduction ratio worm, and allows for simul-
taneous adjustments of 1/1000th of an inch to
both sides of the roller. Besides the time-saving
benefits, the worm gear makes it impossible for
the settings to be changed on the course.

The latest utility car from

YAMAHA
The importers of Yamaha products have recently landed a utility
vehicle that is sure to attract interest from course superintendents.
Powered by the legendary 360cc petrol engine, this powerful work-
horse will transport trimmers/brush-cutters, chainsaws, rakes and any
number of tools, all of which can be padlocked to the carrying racks.
This latest offering, badged the YTF2, features a tilting rear bin and a
tow hitch. It will comfortably pull 450kg on a lightweight trailer.
Silent neighbourhoods and golf estates might want to look at the
Yamaha Silent Generator, which fits easily into the bin and can be
used to power quieter electrical machines.
The YTF2 will retail for around R65 000 plus VAT. ■

Golf Club Management April 2010 11

TREES FOR COURSES

CARBON STORAGE
AND WATER SAVING
DEBATES
Val Thomas explores the possibilities and problems of carbon storage and water saving
Towards the end of 2009, two items were For those of us involved in high-end of deficits and rising costs, seriously. As
carried simultaneously in the weekly news. water-usage projects, such as golf courses, well as monitoring all our other water-
In one lengthy initiative, Time magazine this information relating to water shortages usage carefully, I continually advocate the
ran a cover and feature article on banking is a looming cloud of hugely increased ex- removal of alien invasive trees, which are
trees. This encouraged the protection and penses, unless your course happens to be thirsty and rampant along our rivers, and
replanting of any forests and tree-covered naturally sustained by rain. The likelihood of in our natural areas.
areas as a viable, sustainable way to reduce price increases across the board – possibly We also need to take heed of the statis-
the carbon load in the atmosphere above even for borehole water and river pumping tics about the carbon status of earth. But,
our planet earth. – is a virtual certainty in a large percentage as a seeming contradiction, we know that
In another totally unrelated article, of the country. Very few courses are close trees, holding decades of absorbed carbon
according to a global water report released in to profitable. Can yours afford a significant in their wood, and utilising carbon dioxide
Washington, the South African government hike on a fundamental cost? every day, are one of our surest assets into
announced the need for R2.8 billion per year However, on golf courses (as elsewhere) the future.
to guarantee our water resources into the we are faced with a tricky, dilemma. We all This means that tree removal, of any
next two decades. It appears that South Af- know that we should take the water issues kind, even invasive aliens, has to be
rica is heading for a water deficit of between
17 percent and 30 percent by 2030.
The global water report notes there is
widespread agreement that water has
suffered from chronic under-investment.
“There is good reason to believe that water
will be an important investment theme for
public, multilateral and private financial
institutions in the coming decades,” it says.
“By far the cheapest and most effective solu-
tion to South Africa’s pending water short-
ages is a blend of infrastructural investment
Acacia
and efficiencies in agriculture, industry and tortilis
the domestic sector.”
The report calls for strong coordina-
tion and cooperation between water users.
Subsequently, Trevor Manuel (now Minister
in The Presidency – National Planning
Commission) noted that while alternatives
existed to generate energy, there were no
plans for water.

12 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 TREES FOR COURSES

“WE KNOW THAT TREES, HOLDING DECADES OF

ABSORBED CARBON IN THEIR WOOD, AND UTI-
LISING CARBON DIOXIDE EVERY DAY, ARE ONE
OF OUR SUREST ASSETS INTO THE FUTURE.”
evaluated against two issues: ■ your impact on the environment will
■ Daily carbon absorption by any felled tree be positive
is obviously permanently lost, and ■ your carbon balance, if you have also
furthermore, if any of the cut wood is removed aliens, will be, at very least,
burnt, there will be carbon release. better than even.
■ Water utilisation by thirsty alien trees

will ‘waste’ the precious resource, along When thinking ahead about planting,
with other negative ecological costs, even always remember our golden rule of plant
though these plants hold carbon the right trees in the right place. The Sappi protection in winter, if there is even mild
very effectively. Tree Spotting series will help you with lists of frost, until it is well established.
trees that are most likely to be successful in ■ WILD-PEACH
Luckily the current thinking is that over a your area. This month, in the list featured Kiggelaria africana
50-year period, a growing tree absorbs here, we give you details on trees which are This wide-spread, often evergreen tree
more carbon from the atmosphere than a drought-hardy, but grow relatively steadily, is frost-tolerant and reasonably drought-
static, large adult tree in the same time. to a reasonable size, thus ensuring resistant, but as always grows faster when
Of course it is harder to measure if a maximum carbon absorption. water is available. It is a host to specific
growing indigenous tree uses more or less butterflies and therefore attracts birds for
water than the adult alien that we plan to TREES WORTH FINDING caterpillar feasts, as well as fruit.
remove. My contention is that as long as FOR GOLF COURSES ■ UMBRELLA ACACIA
we choose the species carefully, we know ■ FOREST SPOONWOOD Acacia tortilis
that indigenous trees are often the most Cassine peragua This striking Acacia is useful in dry and
drought-hardy, because they are African, This is an attractive, water-wise tree, cold areas as it is extremely hardy. It does
and therefore programmed to cope with which grows faster if there is regular drop thorny twigs so should not be used
seasons of significant water restriction. moisture available. It has beautiful in the main golf course areas, but rather
Thus, over the long-term, by planting flowers from May to August, and bird- as an interesting ‘surround’ tree to add
indigenous plants: enticing red to purple fruit from March to ambiance. ■

■ you will save water September. It is evergreen and will need

Cassine
peragua

Kiggelaria
africana

Golf Club Management April 2010 13

 HUMAN RESOURCES

KEEPING
abreast of the law
The year 2010 will see a number of changes being made to legislation
that will directly affect the hospitality and leisure industry. Here is Sarah
Donnelly’s advice on what to look out for now and in the year ahead.
MINIMUM WAGE department is drafting amendments to the arbitrations dealing with dismissals for mis-
ENFORCEMENT Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions conduct. The guidelines will provide employ-
The end of last year saw the labour depart- of Employment Act and the Occupational ers and other stakeholders with a high level of
ment begin its blitz on the hospitality industry Health and Safety Act. understanding as to what the CCMA sees as
ahead of 2010. The inspections, which are constituting a fair misconduct dismissal.
aimed at ensuring compliance with labour LABOUR BROKERS LEGISLATION
laws, are continuing this year with inspectors TO BE REVIEWED VAT GUIDE FOR ENTERTAIN-
visiting hotels and restaurants countrywide. New legislation, soon to be considered in MENT, ACCOMMODATION
The Department of Labour will be pros- parliament, will have far-reaching significance AND CATERING
ecuting employers that were not paying work- for companies and other employers that use SARS has published the VAT Guide for
ers the minimum wage required by the law. labour brokers and contractors as well as for Entertainment Accommodation and Catering
Companies that are found to be underpaying labour brokering and contracting businesses for public comment. The guide concerns the
would be referred to the labour court, which themselves. This legislation will result in dras- application of the value-added tax (VAT) law
will issue an order to the employer to pay the tic limitations on the use of labour brokers regarding supplies of goods or services which
correct rate, with back pay and interest. and contractors and is likely to place a heavy fall into the category of ‘entertainment’ and
onus on employers to ensure that labour bro- serves as a supplement to the VAT 404 Guide
HOSPITALITY SECTORAL ker and contracted workers are well treated. for Vendors which deals with the general
DETERMINATION NO 14 While the Labour Minister Membathisi operation of VAT. Although fairly comprehen-
The hospitality sector wages and conditions Mdladlana is determined to abolish labour sive, the guide does not deal with all the legal
of employment are due for review with the brokers, ironically government departments detail associated with VAT and is not intended
intended implementation being 1 July 2010. allegedly spent more than R140-million on for legal reference. As the term ‘entertainment’
labour brokers in the 2008/09 financial year. covers a very wide array of goods and services,
LABOUR LAW CHANGES TO it is not possible for the guide to cover all as-
PROTECT CASUAL WORKERS GUIDELINES FOR MISCONDUCT pects of entertainment. It focuses its attention
Many golf estates employ casual workers to ARBITRATION on businesses which supply accommodation,
assist with events and busy weekend periods. The CCMA recently drafted Guidelines for food, beverages and other goods and services
Changes to labour laws to protect the rights Misconduct Arbitration which includes a which are necessary to provide some form of
of temporary workers will be effective before comprehensive explanation of the manner of hospitality or entertainment experience. ■

June according to the Department of Labour. conducting arbitration as well as an explana-

The drafting of new legislation will ensure tion of what constitutes a fair dismissal. You can download the full document from
that the practice of undermining temporary The stated purpose of the draft guidelines this link: http://www.sars.gov.za/home.asp?
workers’ rights is completely eradicated. The is to promote consistent decision-making in pid=4150&tid=65&s=pubs&show=813

www.hospitalityjobsafrica.co.za

ONLINE RECRUITMENT
FOR THE
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE INDUSTRY

Golf Club Management April 2010 15

THE ENVIRONMENT

WATER
CONSUMPTION
How much water does your golf courses use?
Although golf courses on the Highveld have received record amounts of rainfall this summer,
we should all be aware of the fact that our supply of water is dwindling and that demand is
likely to outstrip supply in the near future, writes Rand Water’s Megan Taylor.
Exact figures relating to the amount of drought threat and researched water use Arizona (407 courses) and Colorado (300
water used by golf courses in each province patterns on Australian golf courses. courses). Even the wetter states, such
are not available yet, but very soon water Approximately 1 000 18-hole-equivalent as Michigan (843 courses) and New
use by courses is likely to be scrutinised. golf courses covering some 58 000 hec- York state (824 courses) are promoting
The amount of water a golf course uses tares use 124 000 megalitres of water per reduced water use on golf courses.
depends on a number of factors: year. This equates to 0.34 million litres ■ Some courses in Dubai use approximately
per day. However, this low figure is due to 1.5 million litres per day.
■ Soil type. most golf courses having only 20 percent
■ Total area under irrigation, which is in- of their area under irrigation, with the THE RECONSTRUCTION AND
fluenced by the type of vegetation on the remainder relying on rainfall alone. Most DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
fairways and rough, and whether these of the golf courses are in the wetter parts Using the state’s Reconstruction and
are irrigated. of the country, which receive 1 200mm or Development Programme’s standard of 25
■ Water lost to evaporation from the soil more of rain per year. litres per person per day and an average of
and during irrigation. ■ The USA has kept records of water use 1.5 million litres per day for the golf courses,
■ Type of turf, total area of turf and
policies relating to having green turf
all year round.
“... EACH COURSE REQUIRES BETWEEN 1.5
■ In the case of golf estates, the number AND 2 MILLION LITRES OF WATER A DAY.”
of homes.
on golf courses for many years. Accord- the amount of water used to irrigate South
However, by looking at what information is ing to the American Golf Course Superin- Africa’s golf courses could therefore satisfy
available, good estimates can be obtained: tendents Association, America’s 14 500 the basic daily needs of at least 30 million
■ Tony Vaughan, publisher of The Property golf courses each use an average of people – 75 percent of the population!
Magazine, has calculated that each golf 414.5 million litres of water per year.
course requires between 1.5 and This equates to about 1.2 million litres STORM WATER
2 million litres of water a day. per day per course. However, many of Another way to put their water use into
■ The City of Cape Town Water Services the USA golf courses are closed during perspective is to consider how many
estimated that golf courses in the Western the winter due to snow, and are not households could be supplied with their six
Cape, with their hot, dry summers and watered during this time. The figure of kilolitres of free basic water per month if the
wet winters, each use between 1.2 and 1.2 million litres per day therefore does water was not used by a golf course. This
3 million litres of water per day. not accurately represent water use in may not be an entirely fair comparison, as
■ The Australian Golf Industry Council drier and hotter states such as California many golf courses use treated wastewater
was formed in 2006 in response to the (928 golf courses), Texas (848 courses), or capture storm water and are not taking

16 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 THE ENVIRONMENT

THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS THAT AT 1.5 MILLION LITRES PER DAY, ONE GOLF COURSE USES AS MUCH
WATER AS 7 500 HOUSEHOLDS!
Average daily water use for Average monthly water use If that same monthly water was used There are at least 500 golf courses in
a golf course (varies from for a golf course to supply households with 6Kl of free South Africa. How many households’
1.2 to 3 million litres basic water a month, how many free basic water does that equate to
per day). households would that be? per month?
1.2 million litres 36 million litres 6 000 households 3 000 000 households
1.5 million litre 45 million litre 7 500 households 3 750 000 households
2.0 million litres 60 million litres 10 000 households 5 000 000 households
3.0 million litres 90 million litres 15 000 households 7 500 000 households

water directly away from people. However,

there will not be enough potable water for
people if there is not enough raw water in
the rivers, and golf courses are intercepting
and using large quantities of water, which
means that less water returns to the rivers
or groundwater.
Imagine you are a decision-maker and
people who do not have enough water to
meet their basic needs are clamouring at
your doorstep.

AN ELITE FEW?
At first glance golf courses appear to be us-
ing a great deal of water to benefit an elite
few, and sometimes from a political point
of view basic needs outweigh luxury use. It
stands to reason that golf courses will soon
be held to account for the amount of water
they use.

WATER SHORTAGES
Gauteng in particular faces water shortages
in the near future, with demand threaten-
ing to outstrip supply as soon as 2013 if
people do not reduce their water use.
The news broadcasts have recently been
full of reports of the water shortages in
areas like Knysna, the Eastern Cape and
Northern Cape. Golf courses will come
under tremendous pressure to reduce their
“IMAGINE YOU ARE A DECISION- water use, especially when they are

MAKER AND PEOPLE WHO DO NOT competing with suburbs for water. It is vital
to start planning ahead now on how to
HAVE ENOUGH WATER TO MEET reduce water use. ■

THEIR BASIC NEEDS ARE

CLAMOURING AT YOUR DOORSTEP.”

Golf Club Management April 2010 17

AMATEUR GOLF

THE SAGA
How it functions
The South African Golf Association (SAGA) has been in existence for 100 years.
Over all these years it has been governed by a constitution approved by its members
and has managed the amateur sport in a structured fashion.
The SAGA structures, including those of ■ PUBLISH articles and brochures and gener- cial unions, of which there are 14 in total.
its members, are largely reliant on volun- ally publicise the activities of the SAGA These unions nominate a representative to
teers who commit their time for the love of ■ DEAL with any property or assets of sit on the SAGA’s National Executive
golf. It is also as reliant on each structural the SAGA Committee (NEC). In most cases this
level fulfilling its role in order to function ■ INVEST funds of the SAGA person is that union’s elected president.
effectively. ■ INSTITUTE, conduct and defend any legal It is interesting to note at this point that
proceedings the SAGA deals only at union level. The
SAGA CONSTITUTION ■ FORMULATE and prescribe rules of conduct organisation is entirely reliant on each union
The SAGA has a constitution which deter- ■ DEVELOPMENT of golf, including establishing operating effectively for decisions it takes
mines a number of things. For this article we a fund or cooperating with other bodies to at national level reaching the golfer. The
will look at three elements: the SAGA’s objec- the benefit of disadvantaged communities provincial unions ‘touch’ the club golfer
tives, who are the members of the SAGA, and ■ FURTHER and safeguard the interests of the through their membership structure, which
a brief look at how the SAGA functions. organisation are representatives of golf clubs.

SAGA OBJECTIVES SAGA MEMBERS HOW DOES SAGA FUNCTION

In terms of the constitution, the SAGA sets The members of the SAGA are the provin- The principle decision-making body within
out to do the following:
■ PROMOTE, advance, encourage and foster

the game of golf

■ BRING ABOUT and maintain close
Central Eastern
cooperation between its members Gauteng Province
Golf Union Golf Union
■ GUIDE and assist members in their admin-

istration and general conduct of the game North West Karoo

of golf Province Golf Union
Golf Union
■ PROMOTE and stage competitions

■ FORMULATE, control and regulate the

Limpopo Southern
conditions governing the playing of these Golf Union Cape
Golf Union

SAGA
competitions
■ ARRANGE international competitions for

teams and players Mpumalanga Boland

■ FORMULATE RULES and regulations for the
Golf Union Golf Union
rating of golf courses
■ FORMULATE RULES, control, regulate and Kwazulu Western
Natal Province
amend a system of handicapping Golf Union Golf Union
■ ASSIST members in interpretation of the

Rules of Golf Gauteng Free State &

North Northern Cape
■ AID and promote interests of its members Golf Union Golf Union
Border
■ RAISE FUNDS and administer them in order
Golf Union
to carry out the objectives of the SAGA

18 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 AMATEUR GOLF
COMPOSITION OF NEC

the organisation is the NEC, made up of a In conclusion of this brief overview, the includes the golfer.
representative from each provincial union. SAGA is the body that the South African So if you don’t like the handicap system,
In addition, up to five people whose Sports Confederation and Olympic Commit- your course rating or whatever it may be,
names are put forward by provincial unions, tee (SASCOC) recognises as representing why don’t you speak to your club repre-
in terms of a section in the SAGA’s constitu- amateur golf in South Africa. sentative on your provincial union. Then if
tion referred to as ‘16bis’. This section pro- In addition, the Royal and Ancient Golf the club representative constructively works
vides for broader racial representation in an Club of St Andrews, Scotland, is the inter- with his provincial union representative in
attempt to ensure that the NEC mirrors the nationally recognised body that provides the dealing with these matters, it should get to
demographics of this country more closely. sport with its rules of play and amateur the national level. Here the provincial union
The NEC is led by three office bearers, representative’s role is to pursue the matter
as referred to in the SAGA constitution; the to a conclusion in the national interests
elected president, who serves a two-year of the sport. Regular and accurate report
term, the senior vice president and the sec- backs to the club representative who in turn
ond vice president. In general once a per- communicates with the golfer complete the
son is elected as a second vice president, in communication circle. ■

each two-year term thereafter they move up

to being president of the SAGA.
The NEC appoints a legal representative
to sit in meetings without any voting rights. SAGA SUB COMMITTEES
In order to deal with its responsibilities, 2009/10
the NEC divides its members into sub status. The SAGA is recognised by the R&A
committees (see the diagram pictured right). as South Africa’s governing body of the
Finally, the SAGA has three full-time staff amateur game.
who attend the running of its affairs. It has an The challenge at all levels of amateur golf
executive director, Bruce Younge, and is to proactively ensure that the administrative
assistant executive director, Neil Homann structures in place are functionally effective.
and Samantha Jackson assisting in an This responsibility does not lie solely at the
administrative role. SAGA’s door, but rather at each level which

Golf Club Management April 2010 19

 EXTRA SPECIAL MANAGER OF THE MONTH

A woman’s touch
AND SOUND BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
If golfers indeed vote with their feet, Southbroom Golf Club clearly gets the thumbs up from
the many local and international golf tourists that visit the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Club
manager Tish Robinson is justifiably proud of her club’s reputation, and is determined to not
only maintain the club’s standards, but to constantly improve the golfer’s experience.
Southbroom has for many years been con- to club, but the fundamentals of a fine, well- Add to this Southbroom’s unique loca-
sidered to be a ‘must play’ course, and this conditioned course coupled with attentive, tion, and a generous helping of the ‘X’ fac-
club continues to strive to be as good as it friendly service in every department is the tor, and the recipe for success is complete.
can be. The elements that make for a great foundation on which this club’s popularity Born in Tanzania, Tish was educated
golfing experience obviously vary from club is based. in Kenya, Belgium and South Africa,

EXTRA SPECIAL TIMES, EXTRA SPECIAL SCOTCH

Not for sale to persons under the age of 18

20 April 2010 Golf Club Management

having moved to South Africa in 1965.
Prior to marrying her husband George, she
worked for Rennies in the company’s sales
and marketing department. After a move to
Zululand, Tish had her hands full running a
hotel, butchery and farm, and in 1981 the
Robinson family moved to the South Coast
to farm bananas. After joining Southbroom
in 1995 on a temporary basis, she soon
became a permanent employee and was
appointed manager less than a year later. “At
the time I was the first woman golf club man-
ager in our area, but since then other women
have joined the profession, and clubs such
as Port Shepstone and Margate also have
women managers,” she says.
The club’s policy of promoting from
within has clearly paid dividends, and Tish’s
assistant and heads of departments are well
motivated and form a close-knit team. “We ABOVE: From left to right, Southbroom’s assistant manager Estelle Klaver, head waiter Robert Sikobi, head
chef Thembi Memela, head barman Wilson Sikobi and catering manager Natalie Barr.
have regular meetings and the impor-
tance of service excellence is constantly cutting-edge equipment, it retains a pleasing office-bearers at Southbroom can also take
stressed,” she says. ‘old-school’ charm. Of course the shop or the much of the credit for the club’s success
The ‘extra special’ Southbroom experience Southbroom club would simply not be what it over the years, and the support that she has
begins even before the visitor reaches the is without resident professional Derek James been given by committees during her years
club, which is integrated into the village, and and his wife Sheena, who are ably assisted at the club has been encouraging.
the drive past the homes, with their distinc- by Lynn Sheridan. ‘DJ’ needs no introduction, The club’s president Alan Logan tells
tive sub-tropical gardens, sets the tone. The and the five-time amateur Springbok who GCM that Southbroom is committed to con-
professional’s shop, which stands apart from enjoyed a most successful pro tour career in stant improvement and creating an enjoy-
the clubhouse, is one of the best to be found South Africa and abroad is now recognised as able experience for the member and visitor
anywhere, and is stocked with a dazzling one of the finest coaches in the game. Derek that encompasses every aspect – from the
array of merchandise, including the latest sits on the board of the PGA, and young warm and friendly welcome in the pro shop
club pros could not find a better role model. to the service in the clubhouse offered by
Indeed, if any young on-course professional the loyal and efficient staff. (The length of
wanted to know what might constitute the service of the clubhouse staff ranges from
benchmark in this business, they simply have five to 32 years – which says a lot.)
to visit Southbroom. Derek sums up the reason for the
This course is often termed a ‘holiday’ popularity of his club as follows: “We offer
layout, which hardly does it justice. It may unsurpassed value for money to members
be shorter than most, but it is no pushover. and visitors alike.” For Tish, the formula
The collection of holes fit perfectly, they are is: a great product and a business model
all eminently fair, and never fail to delight based on sound principles. She says that
players – be they accomplished shot- despite the current hard times, the club
makers or less-than-proficient novices. continues to make a good return.
Since heading up the greens staff, Bob Ain- Southbroom’s rounds add up to about
slie has made his presence felt and it is very 31 000 a year, and 78 percent of the club’s
difficult to fault this layout, which is lovingly playing fee income is derived from visitors,
ABOVE: Sheena and Derek James with their club’s tended year round. much of this being repeat business. This is
award presented to the most popular club in KZN. Tish is quick to point out that the proactive not surprising. ■

Not for sale to persons under the age of 18

Golf Club Management April 2010 21

COURSE MANAGEMENT

WINNING
THE WAR
AGAINST
KIKUYU
PATCH
A relatively new, and some- Kikuyu has long been known for its ability But what of Kikuyu Patch, a malady
to take a hammering and still bounce back, that strikes without warning, and leaves
what mystifying disease, and this hardy grass has been exported all unsightly dead patches among otherwise
Kikuyu Patch has over the world. In some areas there are re- verdant, healthy areas?
bedevilled many Highveld grets of having introduced this turf species, “Over the past few years, we have seen
notably in the southern United States where on the Highveld that Kikuyu Patch seems to
clubs in recent years, many gardeners were quick to plant it, and be increasing in severity,” says well-known
although Kyalami’s John now cannot get rid of it. turf fundi Pye Bredenkamp. “A fairway may
Yes, kikuyu is highly invasive, and many
Hammond would seemed to only show a few, relatively minor patches
Highveld courses spent much time, money the one year, and a season later the same
have found a way of ridding and effort to rid their original Cynodon-clad fairway might become riddled with it.” Early
his course of this problem. fairways of the grass, only to eventually signs are a small, circular area between 20
throw in the towel. Since then kikuyu has and 30cm in diameter, with some a large
proved its worth, and as a playing surface as a metre, normally first noticed around
it stands up well to the rigors of high traffic May when temperatures begin to fall. The
and when well-maintained it is as good as causes still seem to a matter for debate, but
any turfgrass. different treatments have shown promise.

22 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 COURSE MANAGEMENT GREENSULPH
Soil samples taken from affected areas have shown that a number
of factors contribute towards an outbreak and a few pathogens have
been seen to be present.
It is generally accepted that where outbreaks occur, alarming
amounts of nematode activity is seen (especially the sheath nematode),
and it has been deduced that with the nematodes damaging the plant,
it is weakened and becomes susceptible to attack from the pathogens.
All of Randpark, Glendower and Royal Johannesburg and Kensing-
ton have had to deal with Kikuyu Patch, and in fact most Highveld
clubs have at some time or another seen this disease attack their
kikuyu. At Kyalami, course superintendent John Hammond also had
several outbreaks, but he has overcome the problem, and only small,
almost unnoticeable areas that were infected remain.
“There can be no question that we have been guilty of trying to
keep our courses greener for longer periods, and this is not good for
the turf,” he says. “Over-watering is another practice that results in
problems. Greensulph is a product that I have had excellent results
with – it is not expensive, and I would certainly recommend it,” he
says. Judging by the quality of the fairways and tees at Kyalami it ... beats an eagle on
would certainly seem that the dreaded Kikuyu Patch has been well
and truly beaten.
Other mixtures of ammonium sulphate and potassium sulphate
the golf course
have been successfully used in combating Kikuyu Patch, but obvi-
ously soil samples should be taken and a professional should be
consulted before radical changes to the soil’s pH and chemical UÊ ÌÊ«ÀœÛˆ`iÃÊÀi>`ˆÞÊ>Û>ˆ>LiʘˆÌÀœ}i˜Ê
composition should be made. ■
>ÃÊÜiÊ>ÃʘˆÌÀœ}i˜Ê̅>ÌÊLˆ˜`Ãʈ˜Ê̅iÊ
܈°

UÊ
œ˜Ì>ˆ˜ÃÊÃՏ«…ÕÀÊqÊÃՏ«…ÕÀÊ>˜`Ê
˜ˆÌÀœ}i˜Ê“ÕÃÌÊLiʈ˜ÊL>>˜ViÊvœÀÊ̅>ÌÊ
ÜÕ}…̇>vÌiÀÊ}Àii˜ÊVœœÕÀ°

UÊ
œ˜Ì>ˆ˜ÃÊV>VˆÕ“ÊqÊV>VˆÕ“Ê«Àœ“œÌiÃÊ
}œœ`Ê}ÀœÜ̅Ê>˜`ÊÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀiʜvÊ}À>Ãð

“... WE HAVE BEEN GUILTY Talk to us. It pays.

OF TRYING TO KEEP OUR
COURSES GREENER
FOR LONGER PERIODS...”

Tel: (011) 709 8778 Fax: (011) 463 3020

www.omnia.co.za
B0169
 Your Golf Course.
Our Passion.

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Steenberg Golf Course Hermanus Golf Course

King David Golf Course Mossel Bay Golf Club

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Specialised golf course construction and maintenance
Cost effective outsourcing of golf course maintenance
Trained management and attention to detail
Personal involvement from the Directors
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contact us at stm@southernturf.co.za or on
082 412 3110 / 082 379 8959
 PGA OF SA

Preferred GCM
SUPPLIER
GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT

PREFERRED
S U P
P L I E R

PROGRAMME
GCM PREFERRED
SUPPLIER LIST
GCM is making the process of choosing a
reputable supplier easy through an instant

Are you the best in your business?

referral system – the GCM Preferred Sup-
plier list, which is available to all key deci-
sion makers in the industry. Below are the
It has happened (very occasionally) in the under-promising and over-delivering, rather first of our Preferred Suppliers.
past, that a reader of Compleat Golfer or than the contrary. Typically customers are
GCM has contacted us complaining that an quick to complain when they do experience
advertiser (or anyone else has supplied goods problems with suppliers, and rightly so, but
or services) has not met expectations. often they are less likely to give credit when
it is due – when suppliers go above and SMITH TURF EQUIPMENT
COMPLAINTS beyond their call of duty. It is in recognition Started in 1991, Smith Turf is the
We obviously take note of the complaints, of these suppliers that we have launched sole distributor in Southern Africa
and in some cases have tried to resolve our Preferred Supplier Programme, which for Toro equipment.
whatever issues have existed, but of course is based not on our research, but rather the 011 284 2000
we cannot take responsibility for, say, a opinions of these suppliers’ customers. www.smithturf.co.za

“IT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING TO

NOTE THAT THE MAJORITY OF OUR
FRIENDS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY HAVE
EXCELLENT REPUTATIONS...” GOLFTIMESA
GolfTimeSA delivers online tee-time
broken contract between a business and a SERVICE reservations and golf club IT.
client. We also cannot possibly test every We would urge golf clubs to let us know 082 904 3285
product that appears in our publication in when they experience excellent service, www.golftimesa.co.za
an effort to ensure that advertisements live and we invite suppliers that have the re-
up to their promises – it is the function quired references to join this programme –
of the Advertising Standards Authority you deserve a pat on the back, and we are
to deal with false claims and misleading happy to help market your goods
information. and services. ■

ON COURSE GOLFING
REPUTATION For further information please contact SOLUTIONS
It has been encouraging to note that the ma- Natalie Shekleton on 011 301 4448 or Suppliers of GPS
jority of our friends in the golf industry have e-mail her at natalies@ramsaymedia.co.za Management Systems.
excellent reputations, and many players in or log on to www.compleatgolfer.co.za/gcm 082 901 6184
the industry subscribe to the philosophy of and follow the link to the PSL. andrew@oncoursegps.co.za

Golf Club Management April 2010 25

CMASA PROMOTION

CLUB MANAGEMENT
SELF-ASSESSMENT
GUIDE
The Club Management Association of SA has devel-
oped criteria that are used to evaluate candidates for the
Manager of the Year selection process. It is a worthwhile
exercise for managers to regularly assess themselves.

In the March 2010 issue of GCM, the first series of guides for management self assessment was published, in which each task can be
graded as ‘good’, ‘average’ or ‘poor’. The table below is the second part to this series.

COMPETENCY AREA TASKS

Marketing, public relations/external ■ Represents the club and its members in the wider community
affairs and communication ■ Keeps abreast of socio/economic and political developments and trends
■ Remains alert to the potential impact of external forces on the future success of the club
■ Ensures that timeous feedback on any concerns is provided to relevant person
■ Maintains efficient turnaround time
■ Maintains a professional relationship with suppliers, local/national government,
sporting/recreational institutions
■ Creates opportunities for the club to meet the changing needs of the community it serves
■ Develops and initiates marketing plans to promote the club facilities and capabilities to secure
optimum membership, business and usage levels for functions, sporting and other events
■ Develops and implements an external communication strategy to promote the image of the club
and the desirability of club membership
■ Develops and maintains excellent customer service standards to ensure maximum
satisfaction levels
■ Meets/exceeds customer expectations
■ Establishes formal channels of communication with members and guests
■ Monitors satisfaction level of above
■ Establishes informal channels of communication with members and guests
■ Monitors satisfaction level of above
Buildings, facilities management ■ Assesses the club’s exposure in terms of risk management
■ Reports thereon
■ Develops, implements and manages a preventative maintenance programme
■ Undertakes regular facility inspections to ensure housekeeping, cleanliness, safety and other
standards are consistently attained

Postal address: Suite 374 Private bag X09 Weltevredenpark 1715

26 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 CMASA PROMOTION

COMPETENCY AREA TASKS (CONTINUED)

Projects ■ All documentation and correspondence (destined internally or externally) generated by the
incumbent is of a high quality in respect of accuracy, grammar and spelling
■ Attends all project-related meetings and activities. If meetings cannot be attended then apologies
are sent through timeously
■ Where required, project plans with clear timelines are submitted by the required deadline
■ In as far as it is under the incumbent’s control, there is no deviation from project schedules
■ The quality of all project-related inputs and outputs made/produced by the incumbent is of a
high standard
Input into reports for board/commit- ■ All inputs are made within prescribed deadlines and is both accurate and complete
tee committee and annual reports ■ Ensures that information is received timeously from heads of departments
Liaison and communication ■ When required, actively participates in and contributes to the activities of national and interna-
tional industry and regulatory bodies/forums, including, but not limited to, training and
development initiatives
■ Always attends and constructively participates in all scheduled meetings with other Club Industry
stakeholders. If meetings cannot be attended then apologies are sent through timeously
■ Attends and constructively participates in meetings with industry representatives when required
to do so
■ Responds to all e-mails within a reasonable time
■ Responds to all external telephone calls within a reasonable time
■ For all meetings that the incumbent is responsible for, proper agendas are produced and
distributed, minutes are produced, distributed and properly filed
■ Upholds the professionalism of the club in both internal and external communications
■ Where required, provides training in the form of presentations both internally and externally
■ Ensures the maintenance and development of closer working relationships with representatives
of club sector bodies and other policy makers, where applicable
Dealing with complaints ■ Updates complaints database upon receipt of complaint
■ Analyses complaints before escalating to board/committee level or other bodies
■ Analyses copies of responses received from the board/committee to ensure that they address the
original complaint
Team leadership ■ Assists employees in the incumbent’s team to keep up to date with relevant information
■ Poor work performance by members of the incumbent’s team are actively addressed
■ Wherever possible, delegates work to members of her/his team in order to ensure the
development of team members
■ Effectively manages intra-team conflict and tensions with no such matters being escalated
or reported
■ Develops personal development plans for all team members and actively ensures that they
are executed
■ Always willingly and actively shares experience and knowledge with team members and
other colleagues
■ Actively participates in performance management and recruitment and selection processes and
input made is always of a high quality
■ All HR administration tasks performed by the incumbent are done timeously, accurately
and completely

Tel: +27 (0)11 482 7542 Fax: 088 (0)11 482 7542 Cell: 082 457 8235 E-mail: gm@clubmanagement.co.za

Golf Club Management April 2010 27

RETAIL

GOLF RETAIL
101
Kymi Bodenberger
continues her series on
maximising the potential and
profits of a retail golf shop
– in this month’s issue she
explains the importance of The Bronkhorstspruit pro shop was transformed by using an
inexpensive pine table ex Mr Price and imaginative staining.
attractive, practical fixtures.
Last month we discussed the importance of slinky technical fabrics and uniquely pat- the natural breaks are in the wall sections
having the right shop layout, understanding terned shirts, but the folded sections add a and count your floor fixtures to evaluate
primary and secondary space and catego- bit of class and create more of a high-end, how many clothing brands your store can
risation of your product selection. In this attractive visual display while keeping the properly carry and display.
article, we’re going to focus on shop fixtures. golf shop from taking on a department-store Staying within the product display range
The fixtures and fittings in your shop are appearance. is crucial in making your products easily
crucial in promoting your merchandise in an Another important element in clothing fix- available to your customers. The standard
attractive and, more importantly, practical turing is to think of your shop in sections. Your range in retail begins at knee height, and
way to entice sales. I have often been in- goal is to carry a select number of brands, rises to just above the average person’s
volved in working with architects on new golf and to give each of those brands a worthy dis- head. I’ve been in many stores with shelves
shop designs, as the architect may have the play. The retail ‘rule’ is one brand per fixture. stocked full just a few inches off the floor.
skill to create a visually impressive golf shop, For example, if you have a floor clothing unit If you have ever tried to sell a stack of
but could lack the functional understand- you could determine that the fixture attractive- sweaters displayed near the floor, you will
ing of the product display requirements. An ly displays, say, 50 items of clothing. This unit have noticed that few of your customers will
unfortunate, but not uncommon, example will create a much more cohesive, appealing ever reach down that far. Additionally, items
of this is to see the golf professional proudly presentation if you feature a 50-piece selec- piled near the ceiling out of reach will have
hang up the first shirt for display in his shop, tion of one brand or colour story. If instead, the same ineffective selling result. Instead,
only to find that the minimal required height you display three or four different brands and use these areas for larger items such as
of one metre (length needed from the top colour stories on the fixture, the unit begins to luggage pieces stuffed full of newspapers to
hook of the hanger to the bottom of the take on a sale-rack appearance. show the fullness and size of the item.
hanging shirt) was not maintained and the By defining your store with brand fixtures Many suppliers provide fixtures to shops in
hem of the shirt is dragging on the floor. you will also make the buying process order to help promote their product. This is a
When I design the clothing section of a easier for yourself as you will know that you wonderful benefit and sales tool, but the need
golf shop, I generally estimate a breakdown need to purchase 70 units for the brand X and arrangement of the display should be
of 70 percent hanging merchandise and 30 fixture and 60 units for the brand Y fixture carefully thought out by the golf professional.
percent folded merchandise. The hanging and so on. Therefore, the first step is to look Most branded club displays, as you will know,
clothing sections are perfect for today’s around your store and determine where have a large cardboard or plastic backing

28 April 2010 Golf Club Management

 RETAIL

One of the original fittings, before

The use of simple, stained cubed boxes An existing fitting after being giving it a new life with added
results in an attractive, enticing display. given a new lease on life shelves and re-stained wood.

promoting that particular brand. If you have order to improve your fixture selection if a lighter colour as it will open the space.
a wall to place this display against, it can you’re on a tight budget. I’ve often created Large, open-plan shops benefit from darker
become an attractive feature to your shop. nesting tables for shops by purchasing a carpeting or brighter colours on the walls
However, if you place it in the middle of small, four- or six-person dining-room table to promote a cosy, comfortable feel. Small
your shop, the height of the display may from an inexpensive store and made up the touches can often have a disproportionately
block customers at the entrance of your golf lower-tier table from an old trunk, coffee large impact. If you can’t afford matching
shop from seeing to the back of the shop table or ottoman. When the budget is really wooden hangers to display all of your hang-
and sight lines are very important in any kind tight I’ve found a local wood-worker to create ing garments, by all means use plastic, but
of retail store. Ideally, you want to set up varied sized cubes that I can stack together ensure that all of the plastic hangers are
your fixtures in a grandstand format with the to suit whatever type of product I’m trying to exactly the same colour and style.
shorter units near the entrance and the taller promote and display. How you display your product will have a
units toward the back so that customers can The key to remember when it comes to dramatic impact on the value it will hold with
see the wide range of product you offer upon fixturing is that you want to show off as much your customers. The more attractive you can
entering the shop. product to your customers as possible, while make your selection, the greater your sales
Every shop has strengths and weaknesses still keeping an organised, visually appeal- will reflect. Next month we’ll discuss my
based on their size, fixturing, lighting, etc. ing display. If you have a smaller shop, try favourite topic – merchandising to increase
You don’t need to invest a small fortune in to keep the walls, carpeting and fixtures in perceived value. ■

ACUSHNET SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

TEL: 011 462 9165

Golf Club Management April 2010 29

THE LAST WORD

A MEETING OF
MINDS
2010 Conference review
The Compleat Golfer/GCM Golf Conference held at Country Club Johannesburg
featured an interesting mix of speakers, some lively debate and most delegates
considered the exercise to be worthwhile.
More than a 100 people from the golf
industry, representing club management,
amateur golf administration, the PGA and
suppliers of goods and services to the golf
business, met at Country Club Johannesburg
to consider the challenges and opportunities
facing the game in 2010 and beyond. While
most of the topics tabled are often discussed
at length in committee meetings and at 19th
holes at every golf club, this was the first
time that a large group consisting of the
interested parties all got to listen to different
points of view, have their say and generally
develop a more positive outlook on the future
of the game.
The morning session began with an
interesting look at what the average golfer
really wants, a talk delivered by the PGA’s
chief executive Dennis Bruyns. Randpark’s

“... GENERALLY DEVELOP A MORE POSITIVE be expected when football fever hits South
Africa and Lee Thomas of Match Hospitality
OUTLOOK ON THE FUTURE OF THE GAME.” expanded on how his company operates
and how the golf industry can best take
Doug Bain then provided food for thought Stephen Reardon was then held, which advantage of this coming bonanza. These
by outlining a plan that would bring mem- included questions from the floor. speakers were then joined by Pete Richard-
bers of ‘virtual’ clubs under the control of After the lunch break Gustav Putter of son of Legend Golf and Safari Resort and
the provincial unions. Vice president of the Matkovich and Hayes gave a well- Mark Levin of Bandit Distributors to form a
Central Gauteng Golf Union Errol Mills then researched talk on costs of course con- panel which fielded questions from the floor.
delivered an informative overview of his struction and the prognosis of the design Only time will tell to what extent South
union’s plans, which included dealing with and construction business in South Africa Africa and specifically the golf industry will
the proverbial ‘hot potato’, golf development. and the African continent. Jurgen Kögl, a be able to benefit from the 2010 FIFA World
A panel discussion, with the speakers consultant to Budweiser that was involved Cup, but after the conference the delegates
joined by SAGA’s Bruce Young, chairman of with the FIFA World Cup in Germany, gave all seemed to be bullish regarding the
CMASA Paul Leishman and PlayMoreGolf’s an entertaining and honest view of what can prospects of making the most this event. ■

30 April 2010 Golf Club Management