Know your Golf Club's GM: Anje Rademan - Vaal de Grace

You are the current GM at Vaal de Grace. Have you always been in the industry or what were you involved in prior to Vaal de Grace?

No, I spent six years in the manufacturing industry building boats and caravans. Before that, I was involved in farming and accounting practices.

What made you choose a career in the hospitality industry?

As I lived on Vaal de Grace, my passion for our estate was there to build and improve all of our experiences on the estate. When the GM resigned last year I applied for the position.

As a women is it difficult for you to make inroads in this industry?

More women are becoming involved in golf, both in playing and management

Not particularly. While the golfing industry has been traditionally male-dominated, there are already women in the Community Association sector. More women are becoming involved in golf, both in playing and management. Proving your ability to add value opens up more opportunities.

Who has been your biggest mentor?

It is difficult to mention one person but there is someone who has consistently believed in me and supported my endeavors. He encourage me to step out of my comfort zone, emphasizing self-belief and my capacity to achieve more.

What are your biggest challenges as the GM of Vaal de Grace GE?

Currently on the golf course side – it’s maintaining playable greens, with challenges like loadshedding and water control.

Water management is a challenge due to inconsistent water supply from the municipality, making it necessary to rely on our own resources

On the HOA side – Water management is a challenge due to inconsistent water supply from the municipality, making it necessary to rely on our own resources.

With the golf course on the banks of the Vaal river, during the rainy season, are there precautionary measures that can be taken to make the flooding manageable?

Flooding on the golf course side is not common. Only two significant floods occurred, with the most recent one last year when the barage opened all the sluices at once.

The course is designed for efficient drainage following substantial rainfalls. There was a lot of thought put into this excellently designed Nick Price Golf Course.

Has the golf industry grown in your opinion over the last 3 years?

Looking back at our history, the golf industry has grown. There is a lot of growth in the junior and women divisions.

More people are playing different courses, not just their home course. However, there are quieter times, such as January, February, and mid-winter.

With consumers already being careful on how they spend their money these days, what is your plan to attract people to Vaal de Grace GE?

We aim to provide a relaxing yet challenging golfing experience. We offer mid-week specials, group packages, and facilities for conferences, birthday parties, or prize giving after golf days.

Does your position require you to be available on weekends, evenings, and holidays, and if so, does this place demands on your personal life?

It’s crucial to maintain a balance between work and personal life to avoid being overwhelmed

At times, yes. However, I have a supportive team. It’s crucial to maintain a balance between work and personal life to avoid being overwhelmed.

Do you still have short & long term goals?

Short-term goals include increasing our membership and positioning the course among the top 100.

Long-term goals involve upgrading golf cart paths, constructing a golf cart shed, and fostering a community inside the estate with a shared vision.

Do you still get time to play a round of golf ?

I thought I would play more, but try to play at least once a week, usually on Sunday I want to play more on other courses to gain different experiences and insights into course management.