A day in the life of a PGA Apprentice
Proudly sponsored by THE PGA of SOUTH AFRICA
Richard Maree’s dad shared his love for golf with him from a young age. Once Richard got his own clubs, he was hooked on the game and wanted to play golf on the biggest level. Unfortunately, a spinal injury, which ultimately lead to surgery, made him realise that he could still contribute and be a part of the golf industry, even if it wasn’t from the tee box.
Richard, how did you get introduced to golf?
My dad is the one who introduced me to golf. I remember being a little boy and just going with him to the driving range, watching him hit balls. Eventually, I think it was for my 6th or 7th birthday when I got my first set of Little Tiger golf clubs.
Tell us a little about your journey on becoming a PGA Professional through the PGA Apprenticeship program?
Firstly I didn’t want to do my PGA accreditation. All I wanted to do was play golf. But, eventually took my dad’s advice and decided to start the apprenticeship program in 2018. I remember arriving at Residentials in my first year and being introduced to all these amazing people and mentors in the golf industry. It was at Residentials where I realised that there is more to golf. A significant moment during my first Residentials, that I always share with people, was meeting Mr Chris Bentley and how the experience of talking to him in his office after class was a great experience. I was so inspired, that I actually couldn’t wait to start learning more about what golf as a whole had to offer. My second year was a challenging year for me. Early in the year, I was told that I had to have spinal fusion due to a vertebrae in my back having moved out of place. I remember being so relieved as I was cleared, just in time to be able to attend Residentials. I was however upset not being able to take part in the apprentice championships. But again, heading back to Bloemfontein, I was looking forward to what there was to learn through the study material and assignments. The third-year was a different kind of challenge, due to COVID and the impact thereof. The PGA was quick to adapt and made it possible to access everything through online platforms. Our interactions with lecturers had to take place through ZOOM, but the PGA made sure we were still able to get valuable insight and information from esteemed individuals within the golf industry. This year took a little bit more self discipline, prioritising time to do assignments and studying was really key. When I started the apprenticeship program of the PGA it was something I really strived to perform in. I considered it to be an opportunity to really commit to something that could be life-changing as well as prove to myself that I can be the best when graduation comes. Subsequently, I was fortunate enough to finish at the top of my class. The apprenticeship program stretches and enriches you to be able to contribute to the golf industry in a variety of ways. You get the opportunity to meet and learn from leaders in the golf industry in their respected fields. Through my experience over the past three years, in order to get the most out of the apprenticeship programme, you have to commit and apply yourself, and also not be afraid to ask questions. The lecturers and PGA members are always open to sharing their knowledge with others.
The three-year PGA curriculum gives the apprentice a holistic view of the industry, which subjects did you most enjoy during your three-year apprenticeship program?
If had to pick three subjects that I most enjoyed over the past three years, it would have to be Golf Business, Coaching and Sport Science.
The PGA of South Africa slogan is “Touching lives through the game of golf”, how do you see yourself living this slogan in your career?
Golf gives me the opportunity to come into contact with so many people, from different walks of life, whether it be on the course or off the course. I want to make sure that I can touch their lives wherever I meet them, whether it be through a golf lesson, or improving their golfing experience or even just sharing my story with them.
The PGA apprenticeship allows you to learn from some of the most respected PGA professionals in South Africa. Which PGA professional has inspired you the most in your journey to becoming a PGA member?
I can’t accredit all my inspiration to one PGA Professional but definitely three. These three PGA professionals, without a doubt, would be Ian Palmer, who was the first person who shared valuable insight with me about the game of golf, secondly, my mentor, under who I did my apprenticeship, Quintin Williams, and then Chris Bentley.
The value of a PGA professional in the golf industry is of huge benefit to any golfing facility. What advantage does a facility have in employing a PGA Professional?
I think there are a couple of benefits to employing a PGA Professional. Firstly PGA Professionals are very versatile due to the curriculum providing quality knowledge that covers most of what pertains to the golf industry. This enables the PGA Professional to be used in various sectors of a golf club. Secondly, I think there has been a shift in how golf courses operate in terms of governance. Golf courses need to function as financially sustainable entities. I believe the PGA Professionals are taught through the apprenticeship program to be equipped with business acumen, enabling the PGA Professional with quickness in understanding and dealing with business situations. Thirdly, the PGA Professional has access to the PGA of South Arica. This gives PGA members access to professional development resources to enhance skills and knowledge, as well as stay up to date on changes within their golf industry. Lastly, I also believe that PGA Professionals are a valuable asset to a club. It has been proven that a PGA Professional has the ability to increase the club’s membership and increase the number of rounds played by members.
What is your tip to junior golfers?
If you want to become a professional golfer, I encourage you and say “GO FOR IT!” Give it your all, but you going to have to be dedicated! Anything short of a 100% commitment and you won’t make the cut. The level to which playing golf professionally has grown to is of such a quality that there is no place for lack of effort and lack of discipline. I also want to encourage juniors to look outside the tee box. Even though it doesn’t look like it, golf is a team sport and there is an entire industry that makes what we see on TV possible! You can make an impact without even hitting a golf ball. The golf industry is filled with opportunities, and I believe The PGA of South Africa can equip and educate you on how to make that impact.
With that said… whether you become a professional golfer or a golf professional, always make sure you are having fun!
