HERE’S a heads-up for executive committee members of our fabulous golf courses on the South Coast:
SAGA (South African Golf Association) is currently conducting a survey of all golf clubs in South Africa to establish the ‘current golfing landscape’.
The survey is focused on obtaining data relevant to ‘transformation and development’ and SAGA is ‘obliged to supply some of the summarised data to government on an annual basis’.
Golf captains should have the survey by now and some might be wrestling with whether to share it with members or not.
The temptation might be to let sleeping ‘Sparrows’ lie and bury one’s head in the bunker for now, but please don’t go down that fairway. Rather do the right thing and fill in the ‘scorecard’ honestly.
There has already been an attempt to brush this under the putting green. At least one golfer (who shall remain anonymous) is on record, saying that ‘race is no longer a factor’ and his club is merely a ‘gathering of like-minded people’.
What a crock! This is just a thinly veiled attempt at retaining exclusivity.
SAGA assures that individual responses ‘will be kept confidential’ and will be factored into a ‘summarised view of the collected data’.
However, there is little doubt that pressure will be brought to bear at some stage on those clubs which insist that their facilities, staff and committees continue to be reserved for a select, privileged few. Remember that several of our courses are on lease from municipalities.
The counter argument makes much more sense financially and morally. Golf clubs need to comply with SAGA’s request and enthusiastically try to transform through any means possible.
For starters, golf is expensive and clubs should find innovative ways to become more representative of the country’s demographics.
There has to be a way to make the sport and club membership more affordable for those struggling to pay fees and buy equipment.
In turn, the latter need to join clubs, speak to the executive or management about helping with fees and put their hands up when it comes to serving on committees.
Take the plunge, attend AGMs and have your democratic say as to whom you want at the helm.
Many clubs are crying out for the members – regardless of race – to serve on various committees and you might be pleasantly surprised to get a cheer if you put up your hand.
Not only will you earn the respect and gratitude of your fellow club members, but you will also get your own reserved parking place.
