Page 8 - Landscape SA 97

FEATURE

A: The construction of the Gary Player Golf Q: What advice would you give young on a golf course or landscape, or both.
Course at Sun City was pivotal for Top Turf, people wanting to enter the landscaping I go to the site, walk it and set about
and a turning point because from there, industry? developing a framework to address the
we moved on to the landscape installation problem. I’m very hands-on and develop a
of the hotel’s gardens, implementing the A: Apart from the essential horticultural customised solution for each project.
design of Patrick Watson. Thereafter, we skills required, young people need to
worked on the Cabanas, the staff flats, the ensure that they understand what it takes In my consulting role, I need to operate
entertainment centre, vacation clubs, the to run a business. Many small companies with the client’s support and have the buy-
crocodile farm, camp Kwena, the Cascades sink because of a lack of business acumen in from everyone with whom I interact.
and finally the landscaping and golf on the part of the owner. It’s essential for me to get feedback from
course at The Lost City in 1992/3. All in all, them, so that agreed upon actions are
my working association with Patrick lasted I would also advise them to join SALI, as implemented. My consultancy work also
for 30 years and Top Turf has been at Sun there is much value to be gained from involves helping companies to develop
City for over 40 years. belonging to a professional industry management frameworks, systems and
association. My advice is also this: have action plans for the management of their
Other projects (34 golf courses and 46 passion for what you do! green assets.
landscape installations) were undertaken
throughout South Africa, as well as Q: How do you see the future of the Q: Why did you sell Top Turf?
Mauritius, Botswana, Zambia, West Africa landscaping industry?
and the Seychelles. I would have to say that A: There are always going to be gardens A: I wasn’t specifically thinking of selling
apart from Sun City, the most noteworthy and green spaces that need to be the company but Bidvest made me an
projects we did were the Anahita golf developed and managed, and these are all offer I couldn’t refuse. It came out of the
course and resort development in opportunities that industry players should blue in 2000, and I have no regrets. In fact,
Mauritius and extensive work for the 2010 be open to. selling the company was a blessing in
Soccer World Cup. disguise.
Q: Since you retired, you’ve been doing
I owe my journey to the many amazing consultancy work. What does this Q: Would you choose the same profession
individuals who trusted me to deliver involve? again?
their projects on time, on budget and to
standard. A: I’m usually called in to consult when A: I didn’t choose a profession, I followed
there is a problem with the maintenance a dream! LSA

Anahita Golf Course and Resort: Mystery Pond

6 Landscape SA • Issue 97 2020