Page 10 - LandscapeSA Issue 106

gOLf cOURSE MANAgER PROfILE

THE gOLf cOURSE

IS YOUR cANVAS

The Turf Grass Managers Association of Gauteng is
focussing its attention on industry experts by getting
to know golf course managers and by inviting them
to tell us more about themselves and the industry
they have chosen to be a part of. Petri van der Walt, golf club superintendent at
Mbombela Golf Course

andscape SA magazine compiled the Centurion Country Club and TPC Sawgrass we wouldn’t survive and it wouldn’t be fun.
Q & A below, looking at the day-to-day (USA) – tournament preparation experience. Joining an association is key so that we can
Lchallenges that golf course employees be a part of a global body of like-minded
face and what it takes to manage turf that I have been at Mbombela golf club for the individuals, assist in seminars, workshops
is constantly under scrutiny. In this issue, past six years. and education for current managers as well
Petri van der Walt, golf club superintendent as up and coming youngsters.
at Mbombela Golf Course, shares his views. Q: What are the most challenging
The course is famous for its Jock of the aspects of being a course manager? Q: Do you feel there are
Bushveld Tournament, which the club hosts A: I would say staff management. You opportunities within the South
annually. can have the best equipment, irrigation African golfing industry to further
system or course in the world, but if you your career?
Q: What made you decide to can’t manage your staff and have a good, A: For youngsters getting into the industry,
become a golf course manager? understanding relationship with them as there are great opportunities to study and
A: I think most of us enjoyed golf as kids a manager, they won’t work efficiently. work. I have a lot of practical experience as
and my high school years in Ermelo were Motivating them and keeping spirits high is head greenkeeper behind me, and there
spent on the tennis courts, playing golf a tough task in this industry. are always ways to further my career with
and hitting balls on the range. During studies locally and internationally, but I am
my service in the SANDF and staying on Q: Did you have a particular mentor doing what I love and if you stick to what
the Valhalla gymnasium air force base in the industry? If so, who, and in you love, you will get opportunities to
premises, we often went to the zwartkop what way did this person help you? further your career.
driving range and this is where I met the A: I would not say that I have a specific mentor
greenkeeper from zwartkop country club. or have ever had one. Any greenkeeper out Q: What advice would you give to
We started talking about a career in turf there is a brother or sister in the industry. This youngsters wanting to enter the
maintenance and the seed was planted; may sound funny but course superintendents industry?
that is where I decided to pursue turfgrass know the challenges and the hard work A: Firstly, you don’t get into this industry
maintenance as a career. required to do this job that we all love. I to play golf three times a week. This has
respect all greenkeepers everywhere because to be your passion, and the golf course is
Q: How many years have you been only they (or the superintendent) understand your canvas to show your love for the game
in the industry? the task at hand. by giving it your all, so that the course is as
A: I officially started my career late in 1998 presentable and as playable as possible for
at Woodhill Country Club as assistant Q: Please list the highlights of your the members. You are providing a service
greenkeeper, so it has been 23 years. career as a course manager? and your diligent work, and the results
A: The nine years I spent at centurion country you see, are your reward. There are only so
Q: Please give details on your turf Club will always be very special. The Telkom many golf courses in the country and to be
and/or horticultural studies, and the PGA Pro-Am Tournament that was hosted a part of a select few, to have the honour of
golf courses you have worked on there annually allowed me and my team to maintaining a golf course, is priceless.
I started with my turf grass management make the course shine and be enjoyable for
certificate at Pretoria Technikon and did the pros to play on. Also, I can’t leave out the Secondly, you can have all the knowledge
distance studies at Elmwood College in visit to TPc Sawgrass in the US; it was an eye- in the world but the mentorship and
Scotland for two years, in their turf grass opener to see the management skills they insights of a good greenkeeper are so
management department. I obtained my have – good times! valuable; learn from him as much as you
two year certificate and am looking to enrol can.
for the diploma course in the near future. Q: What are the advantages
of belonging to an industry Thirdly, have a spirit of excellence in
courses I have worked at include Woodhill association? everything you do; it will set you apart and
Country Club – this was the start of my A: The backup, expertise and assistance will be infectious.
career as assistant greenkeeper; Nelspruit of industry leaders. We all need to help
Golf Club – my first greenkeeper position; one another where we can and without My guiding principle is that success comes
Mabalingwe, now zebula golf club; Blue an association, consultants and other from small victories strung together
Valley Country Club; Observatory Golf Club; greenkeepers, we would be like lost sheep, through time.

8 Landscape SA • Issue 106 2021