Know your PGA Pro: Chris Clayton

Chris Clayton - Golf Director, AA PGA Professional - Zebula Golf Estate & Spa

1. When did you qualify as a PGA Professional?

2015.

2.What made you choose this career?

While I was studying a BCom in marketing & management I learned that a career in golf was possible, I really enjoyed the golf business model so once I had a chance I enrolled in the PGA and I have only been looking forward since then. The PGA has only strengthened my love for this magical game.

3. Has it always been golf for you?

Yes my father always played on Saturday mornings and I used to go with him to look for golf balls, I then started with junior lessons and golf became a big part of my life.

4. Did you ever play or did you ever want to play on tour?

Yes I did, but my love for the business side of the game stoked my interest more, I do still try pre-qualify for some Sunshine Tour tournaments.

5. Who has been you mentor in the golfing industry?

My mentor in the golfing industry is none other than Mr Ian Leach, he took me under his wing. Because I was very interested in the business he taught me how running it was an art and what challenges you were presented with on a daily basis.

6. You have been at Zebula for quite a while now, what are your biggest challenges at such a big residential golf estate?

The biggest challenges at Zebula are managing the irrigation water as we have no access to municipal water, we rely purely on dam water and boreholes to supply the golf course with its daily water.

The second biggest challenge is controlling the animals on the course, the biggest problem we face is protecting the greens in the evening and repairing animal damage. I would not change a thing as the experience of playing golf and having animals around you is an experience that you won’t forget.

7. During the current lockdown we find ourselves in due to the Covid-19 virus, how did you keep yourself busy before the courses opened?

We had a very pleasant lockdown experience, we only had 3 greenkeepers on-site, so my entire team would assist with cutting tee boxes, fairways, approaches and greens.

8. With the golf courses open now, what are your immediate challenges?

The biggest immediate challenge we are faced with is to ensure all safety measures are followed to protect both staff and golfer against contracting Covid-19.

9. How is the golfing public, members and your staff responding to the new rules and regulations?

The staff are more than happy that they can return to work and the golfers are just as happy that they are allowed to play the game they love so much.

10. With consumers already being careful on how they spend their money these days (pre Covid-19), what is your plan to attract people to the club now that we are on level 2 of the lockdown?

We have already started applying lockdown level specials which seems to be attracting the golfers to Zebula, as the levels begin to drop and restrictions are lifted the easier it becomes for guests to take weekend holidays.

11. Slow play is one of the biggest problems in golf today, how do you manage slow play at Zebula?

We manage the slow play at Zebula by marshaling both sides with two marshals. This allows us to ensure both 9’s are flowing correctly.

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

My position demands all of the above, the benefit is that I am on property and all these demands come with the job, I have a very supporting wife thus she understands the jobs responsibilities.

13. Covid-19 aside, what is your opinion on the state of golf in South Africa?

My personal opinion, I feel Covid-19 did hurt our industry but I also feel that more people are playing more golf now as they can work from home and time is available for the game.

I still do get time to play some golf, most afternoons we try get in 6 to 9 holes. I also get a lot of support from Zebula to play in professional tournaments whether it be PGA events or qualifying for a Sunshine Tour event.

14. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Any free time I get I really enjoy spending time with my wife and baby girl, she is almost 3 years old and she loves going on game drives and looking for all the animals. We are truly blessed to live in the bushveld.

15. Do you still get time to play?

Do you still get time to play? I still do get time to play some golf, most afternoons we try get in 6 to 9 holes. I also get a lot of support from Zebula to play in professional tournaments whether it be PGA events or qualifying for a Sunshine Tour event.