Cliff Barnard-
Managing Director of Gimme Golf (Pty) Ltd / The Head Professional at The Plettenberg Bay Country Club
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The Plett Pro Shop |
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the_plett_pro_shop |
| What led you to becoming a PGA Professional?
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I have been involved in the golfing industry for close on 30 years. When I re-located to Plettenberg Bay in 2002 my long time friend Vaughn Tucker suggested that I join the PGA. As most of us have done, I discussed my intentions with Jeff Clause and it didn’t take much convincing to see what the benefits will be. I joined the PGA and have never regretted my decision.
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| How long have you been in your current position?
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One year as the Managing Director / Ten years as the Head Professional |
| What does your job entail?
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My partner and I own The Plett Pro Shop and employ 5 staff members. The shop is a very integrate part of any golfing facility. It needs a lot of dedication in ensuring that we meet the expectations of the club and the members. We strive to offer a very professional service and remain committed to offering the best quality and prices to all our clients.
The Plett Pro Shop is the first stop for all our players and visitors and is responsible for the collection of the Green Fees, managing all club competitions and assisting in any concerns, grievances or related golfing matters that may come our way. I am also a member to the main committee and will report on or give feed back on any related matters pertaining to the Country Club. |
| Do you have any environmental or sustainability goals that you have met and would like to share?
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Owning your own business and been able to successfully sustain the business, especially after what we have all experienced through the pandemic, should be a goal for the most of us.
As a coach and reaching certain goals through your teaching is always very satisfying. From my development players winning an OOM event, to Martin Voster reaching the number 1 open amateur ranking in SA and finally my prodigy, Garrick Higgo winning the Rookie of The Year on the Sunshine Tour, is extremely satisfying in any coaches career. |
| Please give us a brief outline of the path you took to lead you to your current position | I was very fortunate to have been contracted as The Head Professional at The Plett Country Club by Garden Route Golf Traders, who were awarded the contract to manage the shop and the collection of the green fees at the time. In 2019 an opportunity came my way to tender for the Plett Pro Shop and manage the facility for the Country Club. The tender was awarded to me and Gimme Golf (PTY) Ltd was established. As the Managing Director, I am extremely proud in how we have coped through the year and in how the business has grown from strength to strength. |
| Why do you feel that you would be a good candidate to win this award?
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As a Club Professional, I have used the 10 years at Plett CC to build my experience to the best of my ability and to share my experience with all the relevant parties. From hosting National, Regional and Professional events, assisting and adapting to five different Club Management Committees, establishing a development golfing program and continually striving to grow the game, I look forward to the next year.
As a coach, I have continually used my golfing experience to develop young players and to grow the game amongst all the golfing categories. In the past year I am happy to show the development of three of my young development players, with two of them managing their first win in the regional OOM events. Another achievement was Martin Voster who reached the number one open amateur ranking in SA. This was a goal that we had set prior to the season. Finally, Garrick Higgo who has been under my wing since the age of 9 years old managed to win The Rookie of the Year on the Sun Shine Tour. He was able to win 2 tournaments and has reached 197 on the OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking). In the grow golf category, I have managed to assist Roelof in growing the game through his Target 36 initiative. I manage the Plett area and have over 20 junior players participating in the Target 36 events. I have an established Development Program and continually introduce those less privileged to the game. I continue to teach on a daily basis and with a lot of people retiring to Plettenberg Bay, I am fortunate that I can assist in introducing them to golf. We are currently looking at building a driving range at Plett CC and when all the necessary approvals are in place, this will be a great opportunity to grow the game at all levels. |
