Erich Kliem – Head Teaching Professional

Stellenbosch Golf Club

	@erich_kliem
	Erich Kliem
	erichkliem

What led you to becoming a PGA Professional?	A huge passion for sport and golf in particular. I was trained to be a teacher, and knew that combining my teaching abilities with my passion would be a great combination.
How long have you been in your current position?	From August 2016 and have been coaching since 2000
What does your job entail?	I coach players of all levels, genders and ages at the club
Do you have any environmental or sustainability goals that you have met and would like to share?	N/A
Please give us a brief outline of the path you took to lead you to your current position	After qualifying as a high school teacher and a short while teaching, started my apprenticeship under Graham Webster and later Arnold Mentz. I did a lot of coaching while in the pro shop as well, and went full-time in 2016. A studio was built on our range in 2017 in which I am based.
Why do you feel that you would be a good candidate to win this award?	I am extremely passionate about my job and always have been, and have now become even more so since during the lockdown I decided (after reflecting on my career so far and how I could improve) to embark on a 12 month mentorship program out of California, which is quickly showing me how to make the most of my available time, as well as how to make myself and my clients accountable for getting better and faster results, as well as letting them enjoy the lessons much more than before. A big reason for this is that I am spending much more time with them on the golf course, making sure what they can do on the range they can transition onto the course, showing them how they can reduce their tension levels on the course, and generally how to score better. Another thing I am learning is how to connect my clients to each other and to the club more often. All of this is firing my passion tenfold and has me so excited about what still lies ahead.