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Every month we invite golf clubs to contact us to be featured in The Golf Mag. This issue we chat with the General Manager of Vaal De Grace, Anje Rademan
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Tell us about your journey in golf administration?
I started as the Estate Manager at Vaal de Grace in May 2023, and I have been involved in golf administration for the past three enjoyable and rewarding years. Although I only entered the administration recently, I have been connected to the estate for more than 10 years and have played golf socially for many years. When the management position became available, I saw it as an opportunity to combine my passion for the estate, people, and golf into one role.
What is your 'day job' as General Manager and what does a typical day for you look like?
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most. A typical day starts with discussions with our Greenkeeper Supervisor, Raymond. From there, I meet with our mechanic, Lourens, to discuss machinery, servicing schedules, and any equipment requirements. On the HOA side, our Maintenance Manager, Francois, updates me on building projects, sewage or electrical matters, and confirms that things are running smoothly throughout the estate. In the office, we have two incredibly hardworking ladies, Debby and Hilda, who ensure the administrative side of the estate operates efficiently. I also spend time at the Pro Shop, reviewing bookings, checking inventory levels, and ensuring our Grab & Go section is fully stocked.
'The clubhouse sits on the highest point of the property with a full view of all 18 holes. The views are spectacular, and the sunsets are something else'
Explain to the first-time visitor at Vaal de Grace what sort of golf course one can expect to encounter?
Visitors can expect a beautifully maintained and highly memorable golfing experience. Vaal de Grace is known for its scenic surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty along the Vaal River. The course is very playable and user-friendly, while still offering a fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Good shots are rewarded, while poor shots can be punished by strategically placed bunkers and course design. The fairways are generally generous, the greens are consistently in very good condition throughout the year, and the overall layout creates an enjoyable round that players tend to remember.
What is the signature hole on the course and which is your personal favourite?
Our signature hole is the 14th, a spectacular par five running alongside the Vaal River. It combines beauty with risk and reward, making it both visually stunning and exciting to play. Personally, I have a few favourites. The 15th is another incredible hole with the river accompanying you throughout, while the 5th – a long uphill par five – is especially rewarding when you strike the ball well.
You are a signatory to the GolfRSA Women in Golf Charter. Tell us briefly how you're driving change and empowering more women at Vaal de Grace?
We are committed to growing the women's game and creating an inclusive environment for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Earlier this year, Chinell van der Merwe joined us as our PGA teaching professional, and she has already started working with several lady golfers through lessons and coaching programmes. We are also planning to host women's golf clinics during the summer, aimed at introducing more women and young girls to the game in a relaxed and welcoming environment. In addition, Michelle Geyer manages our Pro Shop and plays an important role in creating a professional and friendly experience for all our members and visitors. The ladies regularly participate in our weekly Friday golf events, support Club Championships, and our senior ladies are particularly enthusiastic participants in golf days and social competitions.
VISITOR GREEN FEES
Current specials:
Tuesday: R110 green fees
Wednesday & Thursdays: R350 cart sharing included
Friday: R240
Saturday & Public Holidays: R360
Sunday: R310
Golfcart fee: R400
Vaal de Grace is a golf estate with country club facilities. Apart from golf, what other attractions are there?
While our facilities are primarily for homeowners and members, there is plenty to enjoy beyond the golf course. Residents have access to tennis courts, cricket nets, children's playground areas, and of course the beautiful riverbanks along the Vaal River. Catch-and-release fishing is especially popular among many homeowners, while the peaceful natural surroundings make the estate ideal for outdoor living and relaxation. The estate also offers beautiful guesthouses for relaxed family or weekend getaways, and Parys is well known for its charming shops, cafés, and antique stores.
Gallery below
The residential aspect to the estate is somewhat unique in that the houses are in a farmhouse style. Tell us a bit more about the look and feel.
We follow carefully considered aesthetic guidelines designed to maintain the unique architectural identity of the estate while still allowing homeowners and architects room for creativity and individuality. The farmhouse-inspired architectural style blends naturally with the surrounding landscape, incorporating earthy colours, textures, and materials that complement the natural slopes and ambiance of the property.
The course is unique in that it straddles two provinces. Explain a little more.
Designed by Nick Price, the layout makes exceptional use of the natural landscape and river frontage. Fourteen holes are situated on the island section within the North West Province, while holes 5 to 8 are located on the Free State side. Access to the island is via a large historic railway bridge, which adds even more character to the experience. The island holes are beautifully designed, with seven of them running alongside the Vaal River, creating some spectacular scenery throughout the round.
Golf carts or walking the course?
At Vaal de Grace, we operate a no-caddie policy, so golfers who prefer walking are encouraged to bring along a push or pull trolley. The course itself is very enjoyable to walk, as it is not overly hilly. However, there are longer distances between certain holes – particularly between the 4th and 5th, and again between 8 and 9 where players cross the bridge. Those walks do give golfers a chance to reflect on the round and enjoy the scenery, but most players prefer using a golf cart.
DISTANCE FROM
Potchefstroom 51km
Johannesburg 111km
Pretoria 165km
Bloemfontein 297km
Mbombela 457km
Durban 578km
Gqeberha 972km
Cape Town 1298km
Vaal de Grace was severely affected by the Covid lockdown and 'permanently closed' in 2020. How much work has gone into the revival of the golf course?
It has been a massive team effort and something everyone involved is extremely proud of. Following Covid, the Homeowners Association took ownership of the course and committed themselves to restoring and rebuilding the facility. We also faced additional challenges, such as flooding, during which homeowners came together to assist with cleanup efforts and support the estate. Step by step, we have continued improving the course and facilities, and we are excited about the direction in which Vaal de Grace is heading.
There must be some spectacular views along the Vaal River. What are your personal favourites?
One is standing on the 6th green, where you can look out across Vaal de Grace towards the surrounding hills and landscape. Early mornings and late afternoons there are absolutely beautiful. The back nine offers incredible sunset views over the river, with the colours reflecting across the water, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Another favourite is the view from the 2nd tee box, looking down the fairway with a beautiful stretch of the river just behind the green.
What does the next 12 months have in store for Vaal de Grace?
We recently completed our Water Treatment Purification Plant project, which now enables us to provide purified water to our homeowners – a major milestone for the estate. Looking ahead, our focus will be on improving and expanding parts of the clubhouse area, which is currently still temporary in design. We also plan to build a dedicated golf cart storage facility to better protect the carts from weather conditions. Beyond that, we are continuously looking at ways to improve the overall golf and estate experience.
What is the 19th-hole experience like?
We have a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our Grab & Go offers convenient halfway refreshments, while the bar area above the Pro Shop overlooks the 1st fairway, driving range, putting green, as well as views towards the 18th green and the river. It is a comfortable, vibey, music-friendly setting. It is also a great space for non-playing family members or friends to join afterwards. For larger golf days and events, we also have a conference hall where prize-givings and after-parties are hosted.
CALLING ALL CLUBS
As industry leaders, we at The Golf Mag are committed to being the hub of the South African golfing community. With this in mind, we are reaching out to golf clubs in the country to highlight them in the magazine.
This could be in the form of an interview with the club’s president, executive member, general manager, PGA pro, greenkeeper... anyone you would like us to focus on.
Simply email us on contact@thegolfmag.co.za
PREVIOUSLY FEATURED
Krugersdorp GC
Chrome GC
Marble Hall GC
San Lameer
Kruger Park Lodge
Milnerton GC
Bredasdorp GC
Mount Edgecombe CC
Skukuza Golf Club
Eagle Canyon CC
visit website
CALLING ALL CLUBS
As industry leaders, we at The Golf Mag are committed to being the hub of the South African golfing community. With this in mind we are reaching out to golf clubs in the country to highlight them in the magazine.
This could be in the form of an interview with the golf club’s president, executive member, general manager, PGA pro, greenkeeper... basically anyone you would like us to focus on.
SUPPLIED | SUNSHINE TOUR
