Want to play golf professionally? Have dreams to be the next Gary Player or Tiger Woods?
While it may be every aspiring golfer’s dream to play on the professional tour, in reality these opportunities only present themselves to the gifted few.
So, here’s the good news! eta College has partnered with leading golf organisations to establish four golf academies across South Africa. We chatted to Nicole Davy, Operations and Marketing Manager, to find out more about it:
What is the vision behind establishing these partnerships?
To bring quality golf education to young sports men and women from all walks of life.
When did eta College first start putting this plan into action?
eta College took on the challenge of becoming an accredited provider of the National Diploma in Professional Golf in 2011. The development of the game has also been a focus and in 2012 eta College secured funding from CATHSSETA to present the Diploma to 60 caddies in Johannesburg, George and Durban.
How was the qualification secured?
Once accredited by an education body, eta College sought approval from The PGA of SA to present the National Diploma under their license.
How will the partnerships work?
Each partnership will bring qualified PGA Professionals and all their golfing expertise to the eta College model.
Have the partnerships been successful?
Three years on and a total of 48 of these students graduated with their National Diploma, which is a fantastic achievement and essential for the integration of the game.
What are the future plans for these partnerships?
Over the coming years, eta College will continue to grow these golf partnerships and establish our reputation for producing excellent professional graduates from our campuses.
SA Golf Institute and eta College
Run under Grant Hepburn and Lisa MacKenzie, the Cape Town Campus is based at the River Club facility and is an established golf campus.
Swingfit and eta College
The Swingfit team is renowned in Stellenbosch and runs the programme out of the world-class SA Sport Institute with golf tuition taking place at Sellenbosch Golf Club.
Dale Hayes Golf Management Campus and eta College
Situated at the Zwartkop Golf Club in Pretoria, a combination of excellent facilities and knowledgeable teaching team (including Dennis Bruyns), provides a memorable learning experience.
Steve Cottingham and eta College
Providing the only site in KZN at which the National Diploma is presented, Mt Edgecombe plays host to our campus with one of the PGA’s top professionals taking on the role of mentor and coach.
eta College (in partnership with its NPO Active Communities Network and sponsor Momentum) has also launched a programme which introduces basic golf to primary school children in disadvantaged communities through trained mentors. Embedded in the programme is an accredited sport administration component as well as life skills training which allows the coaches to also address tough social issues in these communities.
If you’re interested in taking your golfing game to the next level, you can find more information on our website and apply today. Call us on 0861 38 22 65 or email us at online@etacollege.com.
