Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 8 August 2015 | Page 18

in this number) we are possibly the worst at telling
our own good news stories, so hope that Golf
RSA proves to be the success that is envisaged. In
outlining the steps to achieve the restructuring,
Grant Hepburn, the designated CEO of the new
body, was quick to point out that Golf RSA’s success
will depend on his ability to find and put in place a
team of highly capable people who will be able to
deliver the future vision for golf in South Africa.
Statistical facts and figures from the in depth
sagolfsurvey2015 presented by Brandon de Kock,
who is the creative director of Whyfive Insights
were of particular interest. Although he admitted
these were purely personal interpretations of the
information, most would agree that the middle class,
in economic terms, underpins golf. Brandon felt that
the trends indicate that golfers were generally a fixed
percentage of people within a particular level of
economic activity and so until a fully functional new
and non white middle class emerge, any growth in
the numbers of golfers in South Africa will be slower
than hoped for.

WHAT’S PUTTING

18

I did have a problem believing the statistic that
showed 63% of male golfers and 72% of females
from the 4 000 respondents surveyed preferred the
member committee system of club management.
If this is a real reflection of public opinion, then
it will be an uphill struggle for Golf GM’s and
Estate Managers to convince club members that
the optimal management structure is where a
professional management team runs the day to
day business and a committee acts only in a general
supervisory role. Also of some surprise was the
fact that the number of golfers, as represented
by affiliated golf club memberships, has actually
increased by approximately 8% from 2002 to 2014.
If this is true then the real goal should be to sustain
the level of numbers of players rather than agonise
over any perceived failure to radically increase
them. This goal looks to be realistic and achievable
given the likely downstream impact on numbers as
the new middle class develops and ages.
The rates problem continues to grind along, although
a platform to lobby councils is being put in place,

which should help to understand the implications
of doubling, tripling and even quadrupling rates bills
in terms of golf course land in those regions where
this is still an issue. The initiative also offers clubs a
clear sense of the steps they need to take to achieve
the appropriate zoning for their golf courses.
The perennially emotive issue of virtual golf clubs*
was debated inconclusively, although the fact
that the numbers in sagolfsurvey2015 indicated
that virtual clubs have helped to grow golf, would
not have been well received in some quarters. I
believe that in many cases golfers are voting with
their wallets when they move from a bricks and
mortar club to a virtual one. The survey showed
that price sensitivity is a real issue and this would
add another incentive for golfers to move out of
a real club to a virtual one. Whatever the rights
and wrongs, both types of golf membership are
here to stay so they will need to work together as
both the health of the game and the growth and
sustainability of the number of players is of mutual
interest. Sustainable and environmentally friendly
golf courses will be another essential part of the
golf mix going forward; especially as the pressures
to supply potable water becomes greater with each
passing year.
The post event summary distributed to attendees
was useful and so I hope that CMASA is able to
maintain the momentum generated by staying in
touch with all the delegates and supporting them
in their own personal efforts to implement many
of the good ideas presented and discussed at the
workshop at their own clubs.
John Cockayne
Golf Editor
*Virtual golf clubs are an excellent opportunity to
join a golf club without committing to traditional
club fees, that would include the club and golf course
maintance. The majority of these clubs offer golfers
a number of value adds, including SAGA Affiliation,
official golf handicaps and reduced affiliated rates.
One popular virtual golf club is:
www.drakgardensgolfclub.co.za