MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Caddie influence extends far beyond the course

By

A caddie training initiative which extends beyond the confines of just playing golf was held at
Humewood Golf Club on Monday in a partnership between the Sunshine Tour and SA Tourism
as a prelude to this week’s professional tournament.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Championships runs from Thursday to Sunday and will see many of
the country’s leading Tour players gunning for the title at the iconic links course in Gqeberha.
The role of the caddie has always been integral to the sport of golf, with many close relationships being developed around the world over many years.

But Monday’s initiative underlined just what a crucial role caddies can play in not only
promoting golf, but also in marketing the tourism opportunities in the regions where they
operate.

“The objective of this initiative is to educate our caddies so they can effectively communicate
with tourists and to give them the ability to promote the country’s tourism potential to act as an incentive for others to come to South Africa,” a Sunshine Tour spokesman said.

The initiative was presented by Buffalo City-based Susan Wilson, who works for the Eastern
Cape Parks and Tourism Agency in marketing the tourism highlights of the region.

She outlined the key part played by caddies and similar personnel who were often in the frontline when it came to interacting with tourists.

“You all play a very important role in the value chain as you are able to share local information with the golfers you are caddieing for and help them to understand what the Eastern Cape has to offer,” she told the group of caddies.

“Once tourists have been to South Africa they enjoy it so much that some don’t want to leave
because they feel they are part of a family.

“That comes from the people who serve them being warm and welcoming, and allowing them to
trust you.

“It’s up to us to work together to keep tourists safe and to ensure they have a memorable time
because every tourist who comes to our region spends enough money to create eight small jobs.”

Wilson said a lack of communication because of a possible language barrier could easily be
overcome with a pleasant approach.

“All you have to do is smile, greet them with a local word and win them over by being friendly
and open.

“Use your language to draw people in because that’s what they love. They want to experience
something different, so just be your authentic selves and they will really appreciate that.”

Wilson’s presentation was complemented by a talk from Pieter Zietsman, a plus-handicap golfer
who had the experience of caddieing for his father, Boetie, when he played professionally.
Zietsman emphasised the attributes needed to be an effective caddie and urged the group to make
sure they ticked all the boxes.

Aspects such as dress code, punctuality, professionalism, course maintenance and effective
communications were some of the issues he addressed.

“Support and encouragement is a crucial part of golf – promoting a positive mentality boosts
their confidence and improves the mind of the golfer,” he said.

He added that it was critical to be honest about any advice or information given to a golfer and
caddies needed to do their homework properly.

“We, as caddies, have to use this opportunity to be ambassadors for Humewood golf and for
professional golf in SA,” Zietsman said.

“And that means knowing what to do on the course, as well as learning about the tourism activities in the region so you can give the golfer the best experience possible.”

Go On – Share the Gqeberha Love!

Views Since 15 July 2022: 28

Gqeberha’s Latest News and Events can be accessed on MyGqeberha.com.

The following two tabs change content below.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Google+ profileMy LinkedIn profileMy Flickr profileMy Pinterest profile

Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.