CASSIE VILJOEN – NOMINEE PGA CLUB MANAGER WESTERN CAPE The Journey After matriculating in 1992, I completed a broad-spectrum course at Paarl College dealing with finances, marketing, communication, computer systems and other business-related subjects. At the end of 1993, I joined Price Waterhouse Meyernel to commence my articles. I was soon transferred to the small business division allowing for more personal interaction with clients and an opportunity to gain broader experience. Some of my clients included sports organisations, introducing me to the dynamics associated with the industry, which sparked my interest in becoming a sports administrator. Upon completion of my articles, I joined Devonvale Golf Club in January 1999 as an accountant. During this period, the landlords dissolved the club committees and the owners, who provided me with a wealth of experience, subsequently administered the estate. The year 2000 was a major shift in terms of my sport administration as I was headhunted by Boland Cricket for the position of Financial Manager. In the same year, South Africa was awarded the 2003 Cricket World Cup. It was an incredible two and a half years leading up to the tournament, as I was involved with the development and programming of the ticket system for the event. During the lead-up to the event, I was appointed Stadium Manager, which further fuelled my passion for event management. I, however, still longed for the lush green fairways of golf club administration. I contacted the PGA of South Africa about enrolling in the apprentice programme, but alas I wasn’t in the industry. In the aftermath of the 2003 Cricket World Cup, Cricket South Africa reduced the number of professional teams with Boland Cricket and Western Province amalgamating; Western Cape Cricket (Pty) Ltd was registered, trading as the Cape Cobras. There I served as Financial Director and Company Secretary from 2004 until June 2007. It was then that I was approached by Paarl Golf Club’s Financial Director as their club’s finances and management were in disarray. With a new General Manager and myself as Accountant, we managed to steady the ship. During this time, I gained experience running a successful golf shop and being more involved in event management. In conjunction with the Sunshine Tour, I hosted my first Tour event, the SAA Invitational, and here I had finally found my calling! Over the next few years, I was involved in two more Tour events, as well as the Ladies’ Interprovincial. I once again approached the PGA to enrol as an apprentice with Ben Fouche as my mentor and the dream started. In June 2011, I applied for the vacant position of Accountant at Royal Cape Golf Club, the oldest club in South Africa with a rich tradition of hosting major professional and amateur events. I completed my apprenticeship under former Sunshine Tour and Asian Tour player, Wayne Bradley. At the end of October 2011, the General Manager resigned and the Royal Cape Board appointed me to the position. Within the first six months of my appointment, the Tour returned to Royal Cape for the inaugural Cape Town Open. The club would continue to host the event from 2012 to 2019 in addition to 5 Ladies Cape Town Opens: something we as a club are extremely proud to be a part of and support. Over the past 8 years, golf in the Western Cape has had to battle drought, lower tourist numbers declining rounds and a battling economy. Widespread negotiations with local authorities, improved irrigation systems and focused marketing have all helped to keep Royal Cape at the forefront of the golf in the Mother City. None of this would be possible without a strong team, and I am fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing group of dedicated individuals. I believe, Richard Branson said it best: Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business. It’s as simple as that. Cassie Viljoen CLASS AA PGA PROFESSIONAL .