Behind every thriving golf region in South Africa is a golf union working to organise, support and grow the game 

Across South Africa there is a dedicated team in each province, working behind the scenes to ensure the game runs smoothly and continues to grow. From organising tournaments and leagues, to supporting clubs and developing pathways for juniors, women and emerging players, unions plays a central role in maintaining the structure, fairness and vibrancy of golf in their regions.

This month, we popped in at Gauteng North Golf Union and chatted to General Manager Taryn Davel to gain insight into the role a golf union plays in shaping the game at provincial level.

If you’re just enjoying a weekend round, why does a Golf Union matter?

The staff and executive at Gauteng North Golf Union all have an immense passion for the game, and we dedicate a great deal of time to organising and running tournaments, from officiating to full event administration. We’re the engine behind organised golf. From running tournaments and leagues to supporting clubs and selecting provincial teams, the Union provides the structure that keeps the game competitive, fair, and thriving across the region.

We also assist clubs with rules, governance, and day-to-day golf matters. All of this helps ensure golfers have access to fair competitions and a well-structured game.

In practical terms, how does the Union help local clubs?

It starts with strong communication. We host bi-monthly meetings with our clubs and have introduced a roadshow programme where we visit clubs individually to understand their needs and offer support. Our team brings expertise in club management, rules, tournaments and coaching, allowing us to provide guidance and practical solutions that help clubs run smoothly.

Our management team brings a wide range of expertise in areas such as club management, the rules of golf, tournament administration, and coaching. This enables us to provide informed guidance, practical solutions, and valuable resources to our clubs on a day-to-day basis, helping them operate more effectively and ultimately enhancing the golfing experience for their members.

What is the Union doing to grow the game among juniors, women and new golfers?

We focus on creating opportunities and clear pathways into the game. Each year we host around 25 junior tournaments and run two junior leagues, giving young golfers regular competitive opportunities and providing a clear pathway for development.

As signatories of the Women in Golf Charter, we actively support and promote women’s participation through dedicated communication platforms and strong engagement with both emerging and senior women’s golf. We also work closely with the SA Golf Development Board and Schools Golf structures to expand access to the game and support talent identification in new and previously under-represented communities.

Why does being part of an affiliated golf club enhance the playing experience?

Affiliation connects golfers to the wider structure of the game. Members gain access to officially handicapped competitions, leagues and tournaments, ensuring fair and meaningful competition. Clubs also operate within recognised standards for rules, handicapping and governance through the support of their golf union, creating a consistent and credible playing environment.

How do you help clubs make golf more welcoming for first-time and returning players?

Gauteng North actively engage with clubs to share successes and ideas. Further, we do not charge juniors GNGU affiliation fees, making it more affordable for junior golfers.

Can you share a recent success story where the Union has made a real impact?
Our partnership with The Tee Club has been a great example. The programme introduces women to golf in a relaxed and social environment, helping them build confidence and develop a love for the game. At the same time, it creates a strong pipeline for clubs to welcome new members and grow participation.

How can golfers get more involved at Union level?

There are many ways for golfers to deepen their involvement in the game – and we actively encourage it at every level. Developing a stronger understanding of golf, such as taking a rules course, opens doors that many golfers don't realise are available to them. For those looking to take a more active role, we are always welcoming new committee members who bring fresh perspectives and varying expertise to the table. Our union grows strongest when the people guiding it reflect the diversity and passion of our golfing community.

What are misconceptions about Golf Unions that you’d love to clear up?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a golf union is a distant administrative body with little relevance to the everyday golfer. We exist for our golfers. We organise competitions, support development programmes, and provide the structure that allows the game to thrive in our region. Another myth is that golf is exclusive or unwelcoming. Through initiatives like the Women in Golf Charter, partnerships with the Golf Development Board and Schools Golf, and close collaboration with our clubs, we are working to ensure the game is accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all. We are committed to making golf in our region accessible, inclusive, and exciting for everyone.

How is the Union helping clubs stay sustainable in a changing golf landscape?

We recognise that clubs are facing real pressures, from rising operating costs to changing lifestyles and expectations from younger golfers. We support the work of the Club Management Association of South Africa (CMASA) and encourage our clubs to make use of their resources, training programmes and network. We also assist clubs with funding support for certain CMASA programmes and promote the courses offered through GolfRSA. Just as importantly, we encourage collaboration between clubs so that ideas, strategies and solutions can be shared. Ultimately, attracting new golfers into the game remains key, as a growing player base is the strongest foundation for long-term sustainability.

What excites you most about the future of golf in your region?

We are incredibly fortunate to have an executive and management team that genuinely loves this sport and is deeply committed to growing it. That passion is contagious, and you see it reflected in everything we do. Our junior tournaments are regularly oversubscribed, which shows how strong the interest is among the next generation. At the same time, initiatives like the Gauteng North Senior Women’s Society events, the All Amateur Series, and our thriving league structures continue to attract full fields. It’s clear that the appetite for competitive, enjoyable golf remains strong, and we’re excited to keep creating opportunities for golfers at every level.

What excites you most about the future of golf in South Africa?

What’s most exciting is the incredible depth of talent and passion for the game across the country — from small-town clubs to world-class facilities. South Africa has a proud history of producing champions at the highest level, and that legacy continues to inspire the next generation. At the same time, golf has a powerful ability to build communities and create opportunities. With strong collaboration between Unions, clubs and governing bodies, we believe the future of the game in South Africa is incredibly bright.

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