Women in Golf - Sue 'Talking Turf' de Zwart
Unlocking Golfs True Potential
Women in Golf South Africa 2
Women in Golf South Africa 2

There is certainly an opportunity for us women to grow in this golf market. I started as an intern at Pebble Beach in 1996 and was out to the test, for which I am grateful for to this day. 

If you physically learn to do al the tasks you quickly earn the respect of the teams. I have had fantastic mentors and support in the golf industry for the past 27 years. 

I arrived at Augusta for my 1st Masters in 1997. And was the first women to work there 

They asked "What shall we do with you?" and I asked to be treated as "one of the guys. With a seperate toilet please!"

I worked 4 Masters and 3 US Opens, which was a great honour. 

The golf industry is made up of really good people. For the most part. As superintendent of Leopard Creek (from 1997 to 2005) I would make sure I spect a few weeks every year in the USA learning as much as I could. 

Women in Golf South Africa

I would use the GCSAA Member Directory, pick an area that interest me or I felt I needed to know more about  and then email 8 or 10 clubs and ask the superintendent if he (or she) would be prepared to spend a couple of hours teaching and showing me at their course. 

I was NEVER turned down by anyone. And those visits taught me more than you can imagine as well helping form some long lasting friendships. 

That love of learning and education has opened so many door. 

At the show in Orlando a few years ago there was a lunch in huge room for anyone who did 8 hours of education per day. I was eating my lunch in a room the size of a Rugby field when of my friends said "Look around, did you realise you are the only woman you can see?" - I hadn't even noticed. 

I am super grateful for all the wonderful people I have met over the years. I can honestly name a handful of suppliers and people I have met along my journey, it's not been an easy journey as a women. 

  • One guy threatened to beat me up
  • A suppliers rep told me that to discuss the finances with me would be 'worse than discussing it with his wife'

You are going to come up against difficult characters in any industry, but not if you work hard and add value to this wonderful industry.