Jamie Kietzmann- Head Professional (Director of Golf as from 1 October 2020)

Simola Golf and Country Estate

	Jamie Kietzmann
	jamiekietzmann1

 

What led you to becoming a PGA Professional?	I have always had a passion for the game which was brought about by growing up around golf with my father being a PGA member, so golf has always been very much a way of life for me.
How long have you been in your current position?	Nine and a half years.
What does your job entail?	Organising of golf days, day to day running of golf operations, MC and prizegiving duties, management of cart staff, marketing of golf, member liaison, communication between hotel and golf staff regarding golf days, checking in of golfers, stock control, all golf lessons.
Do you have any environmental or sustainability goals that you have met and would like to share?	With my new role I find myself in the fortunate position to implement some changes in regard to existing structures, I plan on moving away from plastic bottles and creating a more sustainable solution, so I plan to set up filtered water structures in the form of drinking fountains at designated areas on the course.
Please give us a brief outline of the path you took to lead you to your current position	After school I completed a diploma course in Sports Management and Coaching and thereafter worked at a golf academy in the United States for a summer, soon therafter I accepted a job as an Assistant Professional at Buckinghamshire Golf Club in the United Kingdom where I worked for 2 years, I had planned to begin my apprenticeship through the PGA of UK, I decided however to come back to South Africa and complete my course under my father Algy Kietzmann. I started a junior golf programme in East London which encompassed coaching, playing and social and developmental skills. I was then offered the position at Simola where I have been ever since.
Why do you feel that you would be a good candidate to win this award?	I feel I may be deserving of this accolade as I am dedicated to my task as a PGA professional and constantly strive to find ways to better myself as a person and golf ambassador and am always trying to find innovative ways to make myself an asset to the business I work for and believe strongly in developing human relationships within the industry.