Greenkeeper retires after 40 loyal years
The Polokwane Golf Club is planning to host a fund raising golf day to honour Rufus Matsaung (63), who is about to go on pension after 40 years as a greenkeeper at the club.
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Golf Club is planning to host a fund raising golf day to honour Rufus Matsaung (63), who is about to go on pension after 40 years as a greenkeeper at the club.
Matsaung has been working as a greenkeeper since 1973 and he has mentored many people during his period. He said he was sad to go on pension as he enjoyed his job.
He received a certificate of honour during his farewell function, which was hosted at the club on Wednesday. The golf day in his honour is expected to take place on a date still to be decided in May, and the proceeds will be given to Matsaung as a farewell gift.
Club manager, Charlie Smith described Matsaung as hard working and patient. He said Matsaung was a special person and no one would ever take his place.
Matsaung said during his time as a greenkeeper, he had been honoured to receive a bursary from the golf club to further his studies in the agricultural field. “One needs to have agricultural qualifications in order to excel as a greenkeeper,” Matsaung said.
He further said anyone wishing to become a greenkeeper had to be committed, patient and a people’s person.
Matsaung is planning to buy some cattle now, and fall back on them for the income that he will no longer be receiving.
He urged young people to focus on their studies and make use of every opportunity that comes their way so that they can build a solid foundation to a better future. “Jobs are very scarce these days, and that is why one should accept every job opportunity given in order to be able to put food on the table for one’s family,” he concluded.
