Amateur golf in South Africa set to break new ground

The South African Golf Association (SAGA) and Women’s Golf South Africa (WGSA) are delighted to announce the launch of Golf RSA and the appointment of current South African Golf Development Board CEO, Grant Hepburn, at its helm.

“As the governing bodies of amateur golf in the Republic of South Africa, SAGA and WGSA have agreed to unify and reorganise their operations under one umbrella,” explained SAGA president Gerhard Conradie.


“We believe the amalgamation under Golf RSA is in the best interest of furthering the sport and to ensure its future within the socio-economic, legal and political environments of this country. “The respective national executive committees will continue to set the strategy and policies and the existent democratic structures of both organisations will remain intact, however Golf RSA will implement and perform the combined operations.”

Conradie confirmed that the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), which is affiliated to SAGA, will join the unified operations. “Golf RSA will be governed by a board of directors comprising senior representatives of SAGA, WGSA and SADGA, as well as several high profile, independent non-executive golf personalities who shall provide corporate governance and proper oversight of the operation of the not-for-profit company,” Conradie said.

“We are excited to welcome Grant in the role of CEO at Golf RSA. We believe his passion, energy, determination and personality is perfectly suited to drive the unification process.” WGSA president Karen Olivant also welcomed the launch of Golf RSA as a positive step that will change the face of amateur golf in South Africa.

“We are delighted to join forces with SAGA and SAGDA as Golf RSA,” Olivant said. “We will continue to operate and run our tournaments at a very high standard, however, we believe a cohesive, integrated approach will yield the most effective results for the future of amateur golf.

“By presenting a single, unified front of all aspects of amateur golf in this country, we can proactively grow and promote amateur golf at all levels. We welcome Grant’s appointment and wish him well as he sets us on a new course for the future.” Sunshine Tour chairman Rupert applauded the launch of Golf SA and Hepburn’s appointment.