R&A Women in Golf
Taking the
LEAD
The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme has been launched in South Africa
BY MICHAEL VLISMAS
In a significant boost for South African women in the golf industry, The R&A and GolfRSA, in partnership with the Club Management Association of Southern Africa (CMASA), are bringing The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme to the country. This will allow many more local women to benefit from a programme that has helped over 75% of its graduates achieve promotion.
Since the launch of the Foundation programme in 2019, women from around the globe have benefited from the workshop content, coaching and becoming part of an international network. The R&A’s ambition is to increase the opportunity for women across its jurisdiction to access the programme by training facilitators in key markets. This edition will be run by South Africans for South Africans.
‘The R&A delivered the first Women in Golf Leadership Development programme in 2018 and due to demand from women at a more junior level, we have added the Foundation programme,’ says Jackie Davidson, director – golf education, The R&A.
‘These programmes focus on personal development: how to develop and grow as a leader with increased confidence and the skills to have influence and impact at all levels, but particularly at senior, decision-making level.’
‘These programmes focus on personal development: how to develop and grow as a leader with increased confidence’
– Jackie Davidson
According to Davidson, the impact has been significant: ‘To date, almost 300 women have gone through or are currently engaged in these programmes from around the world and across many sectors of the golf industry. There have been 19 women from Africa who have been through the programme, embracing the opportunity and who continue to have an impact in their organisations and countries.’
GolfRSA operations manager Anne Vermaak explains why bringing the programme to South Africa was a priority: ‘The R&A ran pilot projects in Australia and New Zealand, where they trained facilitators to deliver the foundation programme for Australasian participants. When they approached GolfRSA with the same opportunity, we jumped at it because it allows us to offer this programme to so many more South African women.’
The curriculum remains identical to the international version, which maintains the programme’s accreditation standards. What’s unique is the local context and understanding South African facilitators bring to the experience.
For Roxanne Reeves, CEO of CMASA, giving women the opportunity to connect with mentors and like-minded peers is especially valuable.
‘This excites me the most,’ she says. ‘We’ve assembled a fantastic network of coaches who will work closely with the participants over the next six months. Many of these coaches are experienced female club managers from across South Africa, serving as inspiring examples of successful careers in club management.’
‘A growth mindset empowers women to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks and continuously develop themselves’
– Roxanne Reeves
The coaching component combines local and foreign mentors, creating what Vermaak describes as an ‘international network of support from women’.
Participants will receive five coaching sessions between workshops, with coaches receiving special training through a workshop facilitated by The R&A. The programme focuses on developing soft skills like emotional intelligence and a growth mindset – skills Reeves identifies as crucial for women in the industry.
‘Emotional intelligence and a growth mindset are essential for women aspiring to leadership roles in clubs, as they help navigate the unique challenges of working with members and teams from diverse generations, cultures and backgrounds,’ she says.
‘A growth mindset empowers women to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks and continuously develop themselves. This is especially important in leadership, where confidence and resilience are key to breaking barriers.’
The programme will launch with two cohorts in 2025, with a maximum of 24 participants in the first year. GolfRSA has committed to running the programme annually.
‘Because we have our own facilitators, if we want to run one cohort or two cohorts in the year – if the facilitators are prepared to do that – we could offer it to more people,’ says Vermaak. ‘It’s in our control, which is so great.’
To women considering the programme, Reeves offers this advice: ‘We need to stretch ourselves, whether that means doing something that scares us or simply reaching a little further for growth. We never lose when we go the extra mile and step outside our comfort zones.’
Applications for the 2025 cohorts have closed, but those interested in future programmes can find more information atwww.golfrsa.com/wiglfp-sa/.
WHAT GRADUATES SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
‘I graduated from the R&A Women in Golf Leadership Development Programme as part of Cohort 7 on 26 September 2024. The programme was a transformative experience for me, personally and professionally.
‘It provided a unique platform to connect with other passionate women in the industry, creating a network of support, collaboration and inspiration. The leadership development opportunities, combined with expert guidance from the coaches, have significantly enhanced my skills and boosted my confidence.
‘Through the programme, I gained invaluable insights into effective leadership, strategic thinking and how to navigate the challenges faced by women in golf. The resources and knowledge shared have empowered me to take on more responsibility in my career and I feel better equipped to drive positive change within the sport. This programme is truly a game-changer for women looking to make an impact and advance in the world of golf.’ – Lara Weinstein, GolfRSA
‘I attended the Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme in November 2023 and completed the programme in May 2024. Attending a programme with participants from across the globe was an incredibly valuable experience. It brought together women with diverse perspectives and experiences, which was empowering and enlightening.
‘I gained confidence in my leadership abilities and developed a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the industry. The programme provided practical tools, inspiring discussions and a sense of solidarity that I will carry forward in my career.
‘I strongly encourage other women to participate in the programme, not only to build skills and knowledge, but to also join a powerful community committed to advancing women’s leadership.’ – Caitlin Boekee, GolfRSA
TROY WINFIELD/SUNSHINE TOUR/THE R&A/LARA WEINSTEIN
