How long has The Courier Guy been involved in golf sponsorship and how did it come about?

Our involvement dates back to the days of Covid-19 where we sponsored the Blair Atholl Championship delivered by The Courier Guy, in 2021. Since then things have progressed naturally and, today, we’re the proud sponsor of the Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy as well as The Courier Guy Playoffs, which is an exciting end to the Sunshine Tour season. Needless to say, we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds later this month. There’s a lot on the line and it promises to be a tense finish to another great year.

Your sponsorship also relates to amateur golf, and is in association with GolfRSA. Was this a conscious decision by The Courier Guy to help grow the game in South Africa?

Absolutely. We don’t believe in doing things in half measures and we see the amateur game as a vital component to the growth of golf in the country. The world-class amateurs who continue to come through the GolfRSA ranks are testimony to the structures they’ve put in place, and we’re happy to play a small part in helping develop local talent, ensuring it gets seen on the global stage. We also speak to the club golfer through our partnership with Handicaps Network Africa and have professionals Kyle Barker and Cara Gorlei as our playing ambassadors.

What are The Courier Guy’s long-term goals within golf in South Africa?

We wouldn’t really describe them as goals. Rather, we see golf as a great ethical fit in terms of the values and principles it promotes. Traits like honesty, integrity and trust are vital components of the game as they are in business and that sits very well with us.

You must have travelled extensively. What countries have stood out for you as having beautiful golf courses?

Well, it goes without saying that South Africa has some incredibly beautiful courses – we are very lucky. Apart from here, places like Mauritius, Dubai, Scotland and the Belek area of Turkey have some stunning layouts, which I would recommend visiting if you get the opportunity. In the case of Scotland, just don’t forget to pack your rain gear (and I’m referring to the summer!).

Do you have any favourite South African courses?

I am naturally partial to my home club, Bryanston Country Club. And it’s obviously hard to look past the likes of The Links at Fancourt and Leopard Creek. Highland Gate and Pinnacle Point must surely have some of the most beautiful views in the world. Like I said, we’re very lucky here.

Do you have any bucket-list golf ambitions?

Like any golfer I would love to get a hole-in-one. Failing that, I will take breaking 90 for the first time in 2025 as a close second!

Tell us what the state of your game is like.

As you may have picked up from my previous answer, it’s not without its struggles! Being a dad of two young children and CEO of a company like The Courier Guy doesn’t leave all that much time for playing, but I am going to try to tee it up a bit more often this year (just don’t tell my wife).

Have you had any truly memorable moments on the golf course?

It wasn’t technically on the golf course, but I attended the Hero Dubai Desert Classic earlier this year and got to meet Europe Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald [below right]. He was very friendly and it was great to get some insight into what goes into preparing for one of the game’s biggest showpieces. I can’t wait for Bethpage later this year and will definitely be shouting for Europe!

Are you a traditionalist when it comes to golf apparel, or do you feel that the “looser” the dress code, the more players the game will attract?

I lean more towards the “traditional” side of things. However, having Kyle Barker as your playing ambassador means you do have to up your dress game somewhat! I actually have a pair of golf shoes in The Courier Guy’s colours – orange, white and blue – and they tend to turn a few heads! Regarding dress, I am all in favour of bringing some style and flair into the game, and I think some of the stuff out there is cool. I draw the line at T-shirts, jeans and hoodies (a la Jason Day), though!

IMAGES: TYRONE WINFIELD/CARL FOURIE/SUNSHINE TOUR/ERNEST BLIGNAULT/GOLFRSA/SUPPLIED