Congratulations on your historic appointment. What does this achievement mean to you?
It holds great personal and professional significance to me and gives me a sense of responsibility, pride and opportunity. It allows me to contribute to the growth and development of golf in South Africa, and to pave the way for future generations of female leaders in the sport.

What do you hope to accomplish in your role?
My goal is to leave a lasting and positive impact on the PGA of SA, the golf industry and the sport itself. I aim to help create a more inclusive, accessible and vibrant golf community while supporting the professional growth and development of the PGA of SA’s members. I plan to raise awareness among young golfers about the career opportunities within the golf industry, enabling them to pursue their passion without the necessity of playing professionally.

How did you become involved in golf, and what has your journey been like as a female in the sport?
I was 13 years old when I first held a golf club during a meeting with the son of my dad’s friend at a driving range in Ruimsig, he was participating in a junior golf clinic. Despite being the only girl there, I felt no discomfort, and over the following months I often left with the floating trophy. Unfortunately, my journey lasted only six months as the coach relocated. Other sports and dance forms led me away from golf but I rediscovered my love for it in matric. I realised I wanted to continue playing golf and be involved, no matter the cost. It became clear, though, that playing on a professional tour was not feasible. However, thanks to the PGA of SA’s education programme, I could pursue a career within the industry. I was the lone female when I starting my apprenticeship nearly 20 years ago, but it didn’t faze me and I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentor, Phil Simmons, who treated me as an equal among the “boys”.

Can you expand on your involvement with Walter Sisulu Primary School and the programme you managed called GiGis?
In 2015, we initiated a golfing programme with eight young girls from Walter Sisulu Primary School in Olievenhoutbosch, a township in Centurion. They received weekly hour-long lessons at the club, which included instruction and life-skills training, thanks to the support of Progressive Women in Golf. Witnessing these young girls’ growth in confidence and skills was truly humbling and rewarding. The success of this programme relied on collaborative efforts, and we are most grateful to Paul Leishman, The Bryanston Country Club and Golf Academy. Golf serves as an ideal platform for transforming lives, and I believe we achieved that.

Golf can be quite overwhelming, which is why I conceived GiGs (Get into Golf Slowly), a programme I managed for 15 years at The Bryanston Country Club. It serves as an introduction to golf etiquette, rules and course management for ladies who have some experience. We enlist experienced female members to accompany and guide new female golfers, making them feel comfortable every step of the way. To date, over 800 ladies have participated in this programme, with some choosing to continue their golf journey through regular female programmes and even representing their club in league play.