Page 13 - Intra Muros April Issue 2025

GOLF NEWS

THE AFRICAN TURF ACADEMY AT

SILVER LAKES

By Corlia Mathews

any homeowners – not
only the new ones – don’t
Mknow about the African Turf
Academy, located right here on the Silver
Lakes grounds. It’s a business that was
started many years ago by a Silver Lakes
homeowner and one-time golf manager,
Andrew McKenna.

Like many of us, Andrew dreamed of
opening his own business. As the son
of Scottish parents who immigrated to
South Africa, Andrew learnt to play golf in
childhood and says golf is in his blood. As
a young adult, he had dreams of starting
a facility where greenkeepers and golf
managers could be trained to go out with
confidence to manage golf courses in
South Africa.

Andrew worked hard and proved himself by the R&A Foundation, construction A worthwhile venture
through his dedication, ability and strict equipment supplier John Deere In 2011 and 2012, the first two years of
adherence to the ethos of golf. As a and, more recently, the SuperSport the business, only three students enrolled.
result, he managed to secure a training Shootout. It bears mentioning that Fast-forward to the end of 2024, and
programme. The qualification is endorsed ATA provides the only internationally nearly 250 students have attended ATA
by Scottish research institution SRUC recognised greenkeeping qualifications since its inception. This year, attendance is
Elmwood, situated close to St Andrews. in Africa for aspiring young professional oversubscribed and enrolment for 2026 is
greenkeepers. already nearing capacity.
SRUC Elmwood is a public land-
based research institution focused on
agriculture and life sciences, and is the
leading college in the UK for greenkeeping
education.

Andrew then managed to secure office
space and the use of the Silver Lakes golf
facilities for his students. He was able to
start his business, African Turf Academy
(ATA), in 2011. He is very proud to be
hosting the ATA at Silver Lakes.

The academy is a South African
Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-
accredited business that’s focused on
education. ATA’s academic programme is
supported through scholarships provided

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