6 minute read
SA Golf Trader, Sep/Oct 2021 - Know your PGA Pro, Brad Ross: Director of Golf at Bosch Hoek GC
1. When did you qualify as a PGA Professional?
March, 2010.
2. What made you choose this career?
My dad has always had a passion for golf.
3. Has it always been golf for you?
From a career standing, yes.
4. Did you ever play or did you ever want to play on tour?
With my PGA status I have attempted to play in our local Sunshine Tour events for the experience, but not for future gain.
5. You have been in the industry for a long time, who has been your biggest mentor?
From a PGA point, Jason Bird (Current Chairman of the KZN PGA Region). Jason nurtured me into the role of Golf Director and has taught me the in’s & out’s of the industry. Still to this day, 10 years later, should I need any advice I can still call on Jason for guidance.
6. Bosch Hoek recently won the award for the best 9-hole golf course in the country, what exactly does this achievement mean to the club?
Bosch Hoek is a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered by the golfing fraternity. For those that have played at Bosch Hoek know that it is not your “normal” 9-hole golf course. It offers a uniqueness and variety between both nines and somewhat takes your mind off things with its breathtaking beauty.
With our recent standing as the top 9-hole course in the country we are finding that the ‘hidden gem’ factor is slowly falling away and we are being discovered by so many more golfers out there. It has put us on the map so to speak.
7. What are the biggest differences in the management of a 9-hole golf course as opposed to a 18-hole golf course?
Differences are simple, it is half the course, hence half the expenses and the scaled down work force. A 9-hole golf course is relative in many aspects to an 18-hole course in the fact that the operation is standard, your club house and offerings are the same, the only difference is the numbers we can cater for on and off the course.
8. What are the “pros” of being a 9-hole golf course?
Attention to detail over the general area of the golf course. With a 9-hole golf course we are able to focus on the attention to detail. These included the general playing area, tee’s, fairways, greens and of course the surrounds being gardens, water ways, dams etc…
9. Describe a typical workday for you at Bosch Hoek?
We are a dynamic and small team at Bosch Hoek. A typical day would be arriving at the club at 6am, opening the club house and setting our staff up for the day. Golf kicks off from 7am each morning from a Monday to Sunday.
My assistant and I run the daily operation from beginning to end. This involves general management of staff, meeting with our superintendent first thing in the morning, breaking down the days requirements, setting up our waiting and kitchen staff, making sure stock levels are up to requirement for the day and days ahead, checking in golfers, taking bookings telephonically and via email, meeting with suppliers both from a catering and golf supplier point of view, meeting and greeting guests and members on arrival at the club, communicating with the team consistently to stay ahead of the game. The list could go on.
10. Were there any lessons learned from the lockdown and if so, are you are doing anything differently?
I wouldn’t say during the initial lock down as it was all too new. I would definitely say that once golf opened, we found ourselves as an industry adjusting to the new way of life, rules and regulations set down by the Covid pandemic.
Surprisingly enough we did not foresee the overwhelming need for golfers to get back on the golf course and our numbers increase dramatically. I always go back to communication and the importance of communicating any important information to your patrons.
With the lockdown levels changing at one stage overnight, we too had to adjust and think out of the box. One thing is for certain, the pandemic has revived golf in our country and brought us closer as a community than ever before.
11. How is the golfing public, members and your staff responding to the new rules and regulations ?
Each is to their own. You have those who follow and those who object. The majority have conformed and taken the regulations as they come. Again, it’s the way we chose to communicate these rules to our staff and patrons that make the difference.
Regulations and rules are set in place for a reason, but a subtle and friendly approach makes the world of difference in controlling the publics emotions.
12. Slow play is one of the biggest problems in golf today, how do you manage slow play at Bosch Hoek?
Slow play is at every course. We find that our Saturdays are most affected as it is our busiest day at the club. I have created a time chart which is handed to players before they step onto the first tee. Time sheets are displayed on a notice board at registration that shows not only starting times but the turn times as well.
The time chart is especially effective as it shows the exact time it should take to play each hole. With this and the verbal communication at registration it is easier for myself or my assistance to approach golfers should they be slowing down the field.
13. The members of a golf club always come first. Do you agree with the phrase “The member is always right” ?
Members always have the right to an opinion and feedback is always welcomed; however, I don’t agree with the phrase. I believe in an open door policy and should someone wish to express their thoughts, ideas or opinion’s, I will gladly listen and share equal thought’s, ideas and opinions. In some cases, this might not be possible.
14. Does your position require you to be available on weekends, evenings, and holidays, and if so, does this place demands on your personal life?
All of the above, and yes it does place huge demands on ones personal life.
15. What are your short & long term goals?
Short term I would like to lift my status as a PGA professional and long term, further my career in the industry. There is a world out there and so much more to learn.
16. Covid 19 aside, what is your opinion on the growth of golf in South Africa?
Golf seems to be steady at this stage. I do however worry for the future of golf as we have noticed a definite drop in intermediate golfers ranging in the age bracket of 25 to 35 years old. This could purely be from a financial state or the fact that family time over the weekend periods has put strain on this age group to get out the house for 5 to 6 hours on the weekend.
I applaud my fellow PGA professionals who are growing the game of golf from a young age, the future of golf is in our juniors.
17. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Fishing has always been a passion of mine, however at this stage I enjoy spending whatever free time I have with my wife and two boys.
18. Do you still get time to play?
With the increase in numbers on and off the course I seldom have down time to play. I try get onto the golf course at least twice a month spending time with my members.
www.boschhoek.co.za
