3 minute read
SA Golf Trader, May/June 2023 - Know your Golf Club's GM: Malcolm Bone - Sabi River Sun Resort
Malcolm Bone: General Manager, Sabi River Sun Resort
How long have you been in the hotel industry and what made you choose this career?
I joined Southern Sun in 1990 on their In-service management training program. While holidaying in the Drakensberg on family vacations, I used to assist the resort as part of their entertainment team, this is where the hospitality bug bit and 33 years later I’m still locked into this rewarding vocation.
Who has been your biggest mentor?
My two biggest mentors were Richard Weilers and John De Canah.
Describe a typical workday for you at Sabi River Sun?
Sabi River Sun is a multi-faceted resort with numerous paradigms to consider daily. With 104 6-sleeper timeshare chalets, 60 bedroom hotel, 18 hole golf course as well as 3 tennis courts, 5 swimming pools, a squash court, a lawn bowels green and volley ball court, you need to spread your time across a number of areas during the day and don’t forget the onsite hippos.
Has the hospitality industry grown in your opinion over the last 3 years?
Unfortunately the COVID 19 pandemic was disastrous for the hospitality industry, however there has been steady recovery and with the return of the international travelers, we should start seeing growth in the near future.
The game on the golf course must cause some headaches every now and then, how do you manage this at Sabi River Sun?
We do not have any game as such roaming our course, however we are working on humane methods to control the geese population that does not include extermination.
In your opinion, what factors contribute to excellent customer service?
First and foremost, you have to have a service orientated personality. This coupled with the willingness to serve, attention to details and constantly focusing on delivering to customers needs and expectations will tick the majority of the boxes. Whilst friendliness and an unforced smile will get you far, it’s the delivery that counts.
Does your position require you to be available on weekends, evenings, and holidays, and if so, does this place demands on your personal life?
The career of a hotelier means being available on property when you are needed. This certainly includes evenings and weekends and holidays as these are often your busiest times. however you lean to balance your work, personal and family time.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am an avid nature enthusiast and due to my proximity to the Kruger Park, I tend to spend as much free time there as possible.
Do you still get time to play a round of golf?
Whilst it may seem expectant that if you live on a golf course you get to play a lot of golf, this is not always the case. Your first and foremost duty is to the resort operations and guests. I do attempt to play with members and guests in most of the club golf days and sneak in the odd Sunday afternoon game every now and then.
