Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
In a world where fairways meet the airwaves, where Birdie's
and banker collide. Welcome to the show that takes you
beyond the clubhouse and onto the green. This is Balls
and Teas, your passport to the golfing universe, where every
swing tells the story and every part has its punchline.
Get ready to step onto the large screens and dive
(00:25):
into the world of divets, drives and delightful better.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
All right, ladies and gentlemen, It is the one and
only Tony Tone, the Magician the world with a lot
of play and as you know, I am a classic man.
Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to yet another episode of the
one and only podcast that's worth listening to when it
comes to golf talking.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
That's Balls and Teas. Man.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Am I so excited to be here on a Wednesday evening.
Halting Weather Victoria weather as a whole has been quite
fantastic lately. A bit of clouds here and there, but
overall it has been sunny.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
And we are now in.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
April, so this is the first episode of April, and
I can tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that we've got
beautiful things coming. Apart from us having launched our video podcast.
We are joined by someone who is involved in the
revolution of golf, and I will be introducing him in
a few minutes. But as you already know the drill,
(01:37):
before we even get to the cracks of the metal,
you need to get yourself and ice cold glass of
water because it's gonna get hot here tonight. We're gonna
have a lot of fun with our guests, and he
will be telling us what they are busy with on
his site. And yeah, as you know, it goes on.
(01:57):
So ladies and gentlemen, give me a two minute break,
and then let's quickly make sure that we bring our
guests in because he's been waiting for us with anticipation.
He's as excited as I am, and I'm sure there's
a lot that he wants to share.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
So let's go for that two minute break and then
we will be back.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
All right, ladies and gentlemen, As I said, today's show
is going to be heated. I already had one full
glass of ice cold water and I'm on my second one.
But let me not delay anymore because our guest has
been waiting for us, and I can see the man
is ready to speak and tell us what has been
happening in space? Please help me. Welcome mister Mike Johnston, Mike.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Tony, thanks so much for having me. I've got my
is called water by my side and there's.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
Discussion awesome stuff.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
I'm sure that I was called water is just to
cool yourself down because there's so much that you want
to discuss with us of.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
Courndre Listen, Michael.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
So, I tried introducing you, but I don't think that
I've really done justice to your name. So would you
mind reintroducing yourself to our audience and then I just
tell them exactly who you are, what you do, what's
happening in your space, and then we can get into
our discussion afterwards.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Sure.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
So my name is Michael Johnston. I have been in
the golf industry now for three years and I work
with Gofer Essay. So where it all started for me?
And I think it's always nice to just give a
bit of background. So I studied at the University of
(04:11):
Pretoria and I was doing a becom business management.
Speaker 6 (04:15):
I wasn't quite sure exactly what I was going to
go into.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
And I ended up doing my honors in marketing, which
was you know, a lot based on social media and
stuff like that. So straight out of my honors here,
I went to a social media company and I.
Speaker 6 (04:38):
Found that I enjoyed what I did. I liked social media,
but I didn't enjoy it as much as the people
I was working with. They loved it and I liked it.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
So I found that after work, I was just so
keen to get home and you know, I have a
little bit of free time, Whereas the people that I
was working with. It was three girls who were super
hard working, and after work they were searching Facebook strategies
and Instagram tips and coming up with suggestions late at night.
Speaker 6 (05:18):
And I just found that I didn't have that spark.
I didn't have that passion towards social media. So after
that I went, I took a few months off and
I went into sales. I was promised the world for
this job, and it was so different to what I
(05:40):
had been told.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Yeah, was basically cold calling and I would be dropped
off in let's say, wit Bank or Sekunda or wherever
it is for the day. Sometimes it would be two
to three hour drive and I would knock on doors
selling PABX systems, telephones and internet.
Speaker 6 (06:06):
Yeah, So I did that for about four four months.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
That were probably the four hardest months that I've experienced,
and one day I just had enough. I was getting
screamed at every morning. It was basically like the Wolf
of Wall Street, if I'm honest. And then I took
(06:31):
a few months off after that, and while I was
unemployed or in between jobs. However, you want to say,
one of my friends in the golf industry Michael Farson.
Speaker 5 (06:44):
So he's the.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
At Central Cartoon Golf Union, and for his events, I
hopped out with the scoring for a while. And I
mean the scoring was all right, but you know, I
wanted to really get involved in the golf industry. I've
been a golfer myself since I was fourteen. I took
(07:10):
up the game quite late, but I mean I've always like,
since I started getting into golf, I've like, I get
obsessed with it, you know. And I was doing the scoring,
and after that I got into Mike needed me to
manage under thirteen team at the IP team, and I
(07:32):
remember I had little background knowledge when it came to
rules and tournaments and stuff like that. And all the
managers sat in this meeting and Dave Young, who I
work with now. Golfer Essay was the tournament director at
the time, and I remember them talking us through the
(07:53):
rules and how the tournament's going to work. I really
had such little knowledge that all I was doing is
nodding my head in that eating And I remember there
was a time, I think it was a Day two
or day three, we were in between holes and Dave
came up to me on the cart and we had
a little chat, and I just said, Dave, like, I
(08:14):
can see how inspired you are about what you do,
and I would love that, coming from jobs that I
just didn't quite enjoy it before, I'd like to get
involved in the golf industry. And Dave said, listen, we
don't have any openings at golfer Essay at the moment,
(08:37):
but I will let you know. So I carried on
with the scoring for a few months, and I remember
it was but mid December, just before my I got
an email saying that there was an opening in the
handicaps department at golf Essay. So from that day on,
(08:58):
I mean, I went to the interview feel like it
was probably my best interview that I've done so far,
just because it came so naturally.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
You know I.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
Sometimes in a job interview you can try to be
someone that you're not or you're trying to impress people.
But golf was something that I actually did care about
and that I was passionate about. So the interview went
really well. Fast forward three years were here today and
essentially Golfer, I say, is the you know, the national
(09:35):
governing body for golf in South Africa, like you have
the USGA and the RNA, or you have Golf Australia
with the governing body for South Africa. So I got
involved first of all with the handicap side of things
and the course ratings and the slope ratings.
Speaker 6 (09:56):
So that was very cool as a golf for myself.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
I was travel the country playing different courses because one
of the awesome perps about working in the course rating
side of things is once you've rated the course, which
a lot of people confuse with the ranking. We didn't
rank the golf courses like the top one hundred, but
(10:21):
we rate the difficulty of the course. And so once
I got into the course ratings, what's really caused after
you do the actual rating, you play the course so
that you can obviously compare notes with the other rats,
so if we rated the one nine, they rated the
(10:42):
other nine, we could kind of compare notes and make
sure that we've got accurate colors.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
Okay.
Speaker 6 (10:49):
So I really really enjoyed that.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
And as I've progressed, we've introduced a new project that
came through from the RNA, and it's called Golf Sixers League,
And essentially we realized that golf are essay that we
(11:15):
do a lot for the elite player. So you know,
we're definitely trying to get young golfers into the game
from a younger age so that they can play at
that elite level.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
And we want our tournaments to be a level where they.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
Can progress and play, you know, one day on the
European Tour or the PGA Tour, the world to live,
whatever it is. But we felt like we weren't quite
doing enough for the beginner golfer, you know, the player
that hadn't ever stepped foot on a golf course.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Yeah, and the.
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Golf Sixers has been really instrumental in getting beginner players
from grassroots level who have that intimidation factor and have
never played golf in their life. It gives them the
chance to get onto the golf.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Course that's interesting. Just a quick one there, Mike saw
Golf Sixes. From my understanding is that you guys are
trying to involve people who haven't played golf just to
make sure that they get the right basics and get
into the sport and enjoy it as much as people
(12:40):
who have been playing golf. Please correct me if I'm
wrong there, or perhaps there's something that I'm missing there.
Speaker 6 (12:48):
Yeah, I think golf has always been seen as this exclusive,
expensive sports. Yeah, and.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
It makes it difficult for new beginner players to get
into the game because it's got that intimidation factor.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
So what we really wanted to achieve through the Golf
Sixers League is just to make golf fun again. You
see in other sports, for example, with crickets, we've been
now in South Africa, we got the bed Way SA
twenty and for example, I'm just gonna do cricket as
(13:37):
an example, but I mean they had they were doing
test cricket for years and a lot of people, traditional
cricket fans or traditional cricket players were hesitant to go
to different formats because that had been the way that
it had been done.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
For years since the Ashes.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
And as soon as TEA twenty started, you see a
lot more people getting involved in the game of cricket.
The sports started to grow, and a lot more people
started playing, a lot more people started watching. And now
you'll see that the IPL for example, which is a
(14:19):
T twenty tournament, that's where all the money's at. So
we wanted to do something similar with golf sixers and
just to make the traditional game of golf fun again.
So we wanted to make it accessible. You know, golf
is a very very expensive game, Tony. Yeah, and I
(14:43):
mean now you know, a lot of clubs are charging
within one thousand and ran to go play around a
golf which the average person can't afford or doesn't want
to pay. You know, it's only a select few that
have that kind of money. So golf is a very
expensive sport, and we wanted to make it accessible. We
(15:08):
wanted to make it affordable.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
Yeah, and.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Team based as well, you know. So what we do
with the Golf sixers is it works on a Texas
scramble format.
Speaker 6 (15:22):
So let's say, Tony, you and I are.
Speaker 4 (15:27):
Two junior beginner players, which obviously we're not, but let's
just pretend.
Speaker 6 (15:35):
And if we were on a team.
Speaker 4 (15:38):
So we would both hit our drives and then we
would choose the best shot out of our two. Then
we would both play our second shots from that chosen ball.
Speaker 5 (15:51):
Yeah, then we would choose the.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
Best second shot and play from there, and that would
go on. Even on the putting green. We were choose,
you know, the best part until the ball goes and
goes in the hole. So that's kind of the format.
And we wanted to make golf because it's such an
individualistic sport, we wanted to make a team based and
I think that's that's really what the Golf Sixers League
(16:20):
is is all about.
Speaker 3 (16:22):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
And then and then, so far since the inception of golf,
sexes has been the intake from the general public.
Speaker 4 (16:33):
So I think with with any project, you know, getting
it off the ground can be difficult, and people are
so used to a certain way of doing things. Found
with so obviously working in the with the World Handicap system.
(16:55):
When we first brought the World Handicap System into play,
and so that twenty twenty, we had a lot of
hesitation because people were so used to the old handicap system.
And I think once once you start getting a little
bit of momentum and a few people start relaxing to
(17:19):
the idea. That's when exciting things happened. So with Golf Sixers,
initially it was it was difficult. We had a lot
of clubs that were very hesitant to host events because
you know, they had no proof of concept, they hadn't
seen it work before. And you know, since I think
(17:44):
we started our first Golf sixers event was it was
the beginning of July in twenty twenty three, and so
it's been going on for just over a year half
and so far we've we've introduced about eight hundred golfers
(18:05):
to the game of golf. So our main goal with
that is getting those beginners into the game so that
they don't have that intimidation factor, so that they can
play with other beginner golfers and eventually, you know, those
players can become a member of a club and get
(18:28):
a handicap index and start to love the game that.
Speaker 6 (18:33):
We all love.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
And I think what you guys are doing is actually
very key because I mean, if Golf six's main objective
is to attract new players into the spot, which is
what everybody wants to see the spot growing, Getting new
players in the market. I really really think it's that
it's a nice deal and like you're saying, once somebody
gets the whold of things, they can then start being
(19:00):
affiliated with certain clubs, which is I think the most
intimidating thing for people to say, I want to start
playing golf, but do I necessarily have to have a
membership from the get go. So what golf SEXSS is
doing from what I'm gathering, is that you guys want
to bring people into the game, let them enjoy and
make sure that it's fun. It becomes a team spot
(19:23):
instead of an individually based sport. So big ups to
you guys for doing that. But now I would like
to find out right you mentioned that you are with
Golf RSA and golf Our say you've been part of it.
You guys came up with the concept of golf secses.
But from obviously golf ours and being well established and
(19:48):
golf sex is being a product there of how have
they been is how have golf been instrumental in making
sure that golf clubs participate in what the golf sixes
are doing?
Speaker 4 (20:02):
So I think also the golfes say name has quite
a lot of credibility behind it, so you know, we
do a lot for the golf clubs and we're always
trying to improve and we're always trying to do more
and to make the sport enjoyable, to grow the sport,
(20:24):
and we really you know.
Speaker 6 (20:26):
Essentially it's like a rules official.
Speaker 4 (20:29):
Like rules officials, a lot of people get the wrong
idea and they think that they are to get you, and.
Speaker 6 (20:36):
You know, their job is really to help the player.
Speaker 4 (20:39):
And our job, as golf say, is to help the
golf clubs and to make their life easier.
Speaker 6 (20:47):
So I think.
Speaker 4 (20:49):
What we try to do with the Golf Sixers League
is work with the golf clubs. So you know, you
don't want to sell this idea of golf sixers lead
to the club and there's nothing in it for the club.
So we do make sure that the club is at
least remunerated for some of their green fees that they
(21:13):
might have lost. Because golf sixers works with six holes,
so it's a six hole routing. And obviously most courses,
especially you know, I'm from joe Burg, so most courses
in joe Burg got eighteen old courses. So to find
(21:35):
a routing, it can be difficult sometimes to find an
exact routing that starts and ends at the club house,
that is six holes, and we found that when we
first started it, we would let's say, we would go
from the frontis, which is usually the red teas, but
(21:57):
because it was beginner players, even that was far too
long and we were promoting Golf Sixer's League has been
something that's that's fast paced and exciting. But you know,
players were taking over three hours to play six holes.
Speaker 6 (22:17):
So what we needed to do is we.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
Went back to the drawing board and we said, okay,
we need to make this course so that it's not
a drag for the players, it's not too long for them,
and they still get excited. You know, you don't want
a player making a ten on every hole, so we
(22:40):
do have a maxi limit of ten shots. But what
we did is we made the holes let's say for
a path three, it would be on average about one
hundred meters. Our powers would start from close to one
hundred and fifty marker and our part fives close to
two hundred.
Speaker 6 (22:58):
So we would set our own mind beckers closer to
the green.
Speaker 4 (23:03):
And then that made sure that you know, our Golf
Sixers events were a lot quicker and the kids were
staying engaged because as a kid, if you do something
for a long time, you know, you can get distracted
so easily.
Speaker 6 (23:18):
So we wanted to make it as quick as possible.
Speaker 4 (23:22):
And I think what's been really really key is getting
the parents involved. Yeah, so the parents often come with
and they'll come on a golf cart, and we encourage
parents to come to our Golf Sixers League events because
you know, they get to spend a bit of time
(23:42):
with their kid and their kids are having fun playing
with their friends or playing with new players. And the
parents often help with the scoring and you know, coaching
their kid when they get a little bit down or
a bit frustrated, and that really, you know, it makes
it fun for the players and the parents.
Speaker 2 (24:02):
M I know, And just another question there, Mike, I
just want to find out when it comes to intake,
what would you say is the crucial age for someone
who would like to join go sixts league?
Speaker 3 (24:19):
What from what year do you take them in and
up to what year?
Speaker 4 (24:25):
So in terms of age, we are targeting so because
it's an RNA initiative and the RNA seemed Juniors is
the best way of getting people into the sport.
Speaker 6 (24:43):
We target.
Speaker 4 (24:44):
You know, I guess your junior players would be anyone
under the age of eighteen years okay, and obviously you're
you're you're really young players. It's it's awesome to see
your five and six year old, those tiny kids just
swinging a golf.
Speaker 6 (25:03):
Club with their little tiger clubs. You know, it's awesome
seeing that and how excited they get when because we
don't do prizes.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
So.
Speaker 4 (25:17):
Because it's not the focus is not to worry so
much about your sports, to start enjoying the game of golf.
So we just give everyone a medal at the end
of each event and just to see, like a you know,
a five to eight year olds, the smile on their
face when they get that medal at the end is
(25:41):
so fulfilling.
Speaker 6 (25:42):
But having said.
Speaker 4 (25:43):
That, you know, we've had we've had sixteen seventeen year
olds at our event who have absolutely loved it. And
I think, you know, perhaps before before they were just
a little bit scared to get involved in the game
of golf because they didn't want to look.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
Like a beginner. They didn't want.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
To be the one that's holding up the field. So yeah,
we encourage anyone, I guess under the age of eighteen,
any junior who is a beginner or has a handicap
of over.
Speaker 6 (26:19):
Thirty six to get involved in the Golf Sixers.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
Okay, that's beautiful, And I just want to find out
from you, as part of the team that actually organizes
our plans Golf Secers League, what has been the most
memorable moment for you since you started working on this project.
Speaker 6 (26:45):
We do a.
Speaker 4 (26:45):
Lot of work with the South African Golf Development Board
and Golfer I say, do a lot of work with
the South African Golf Development Board also known as the SAGDB.
Speaker 5 (26:59):
Yeah, and the s a GDB.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
For those who don't know, gives opportunities to players from
underprivileged backgrounds and gives them a chance in life and
it gives them a chance to play golf from a
grassroots level. So with the Golf Sixers, we've got our
(27:22):
Golf sixers events that we do on occasion. We usually
look to do those during the school holidays. Yeah, but
year around, we also collaborate with the SAGDB and we
have s a GDB Golf Sixers leagues. Oh well, Now
(27:44):
these are tailored to all those underprivileged players, players who
might not get the chance and we look at those
very beginner players. So we have inside Africa, we have
fourteen golf unions. Okay, so within the SAGDB, we've got
(28:07):
a manager for each region. So what we've done is
each manager runs their own SAGDB Golf Sixers league in
the in the region and we've we've given so many
opportunities to players who wouldn't necessarily have the ability to
(28:32):
play golf if it wasn't for the golf sixers leagues. Yeah,
so that's been Yeah, that's been really really crucial and
I think that's been the most rewarding part of golf sixers.
Speaker 6 (28:46):
So one of our one of our.
Speaker 4 (28:51):
O that we gave to For example, we had a
league in Pumlanga, SAGDB Sixers League in a Pumlanga and
I mean Leopard Creek, as most of you will know,
is the number one course in South Africa.
Speaker 6 (29:12):
I was privileged enough.
Speaker 4 (29:13):
To go there for the first time in twenty twenty three.
So what we did is for our golf sixers league
that we had going on in malalan Is, we said
the top two teams could go play at the par
three course at Leppard Creek.
Speaker 6 (29:33):
So we had two teams each of six.
Speaker 4 (29:35):
Players, and we had a full golf sixers event there
at the par three course, and it was just awesome
to see the smiles on their faces. What we've also
done is for the Open recently, which is at Urban
Country Club, we brought similarly, we had two of our
(29:59):
teams from case it In that came first in their league,
and they walked with some of the players during the program.
So we had six players that walked with Charles Schwartzel
and his group, and then we had another six players
who walked with Casey Jarvis and their group. And afterwards
(30:23):
they had a little short game clinic with Volco Ninaba
and Rupert Kaminski. And for them, I mean, they absolutely
loved it. And Volco and Rupert were amazing, you know
they were They said, like, I'm not giving out any.
Speaker 6 (30:42):
High fives unless you guys smile. They said, like golf,
golf is supposed.
Speaker 4 (30:50):
To be you know, I think the kids were at first,
and he said, golf is supposed to be a fun game. Yeah,
it's not supposed to be taken so seriously, and they
made it so fun for all the kids involved. And
I think just seeing the impact that it had on
(31:10):
their lives. Is that's the most rewarding part about what
I do and what we do through the Gulf Sexers.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Awesome stuff. Now, I just want to ask you, Mike.
I mean, there's tournaments everywhere. You just mentioned that when
you mentioned longer for you as a part of the team.
What are some of the logistical aspects involved in managing
and administering all these leagues across the country. I mean,
(31:39):
how do you go about making sure that you've got
the energy and you're always on time and you make
sure that things flow all over the country.
Speaker 4 (31:52):
So to have the energy all the time can be difficult,
But I mean I think from a logistical point of view,
the way that we try to run it, especially with
the SAGDB Golf sixers leagues, is we give because the
(32:16):
SAGDB manager knows his players and he knows his regions
so well, we give him the authority to and the
freedom for him to run the league in a way
that works best for him and his players. So each
(32:36):
manager comes up with their own golf sixers league and
after each game they submit all the scores and then
my job is to on the back end and you know,
put in all the scores board and send it back
(32:56):
to the players. And in terms of our golf sixers events,
we started and most of our events have been in
Central Karteng, So from a logistical point of view, one
of our big plans is expansion. Yeah, and our aim
(33:20):
at the moment is to get the proof of concept
and to have the process so nailed down that once
we've had all these events in Central Karteng, we can
almost choose the specific role player in each region and
expand the project throughout South Africa. But as you know,
(33:44):
starting something, it starts off small, yeah, but you have
to You just have to keep working on it and
keep working on it and eventually, you know, it blows up.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
I don't know, but I think it goes with time.
Like you said, I mean, it's only about a year
and a half and you've got over eight hundred people
enrolled with Class six Sleeku, which is close to one
person signing up a day. So I think you guys
are doing a great job and I look forward to
seeing more of these tournaments around South Africa. I look
(34:23):
forward to see more juniors being involved in the fact
that you're trying to incorporate a family friendly environment where
the parents are also asked to also party and make
sure that the kids are enjoying what they do. So
what the product that you guys haven't I don't want
to lie. It is quite a phenomenal product, and I
(34:44):
wish it came through Alia like in the early two
thousands because if that was the case, I believe that
we would have created more and more proper golfers within
South Africa. But with that being that, Mica, can we
go for a two minute break and then when we
get back, I just want to put you on the
(35:06):
spot a bit and make sure that I frustrate you
with some of the questions that I haven't.
Speaker 3 (35:10):
Learned for you.
Speaker 6 (35:14):
I'm kid, Let's do it.
Speaker 5 (35:19):
I'm just kidding.
Speaker 2 (35:20):
There won't be hectic questions, but it's more around the
sport itself, to say how have you seen the sports
grow over the years? And then you mentioned that you
started at fourteen, and I believe that something must expect
you to actually start. So when we come back, let's
get into that. Let's find out where your golf is
(35:41):
sitting and then let's see where golf sixty sleek is
also hitting.
Speaker 5 (35:47):
Let's do it, Tony awesome stuff.
Speaker 1 (35:53):
In the world where fairways meet the airwaves. We're birdies
and banker collide. Welcome to the sure that takes you
beyond the clubhouse and onto the green. This there's balls
and teas, your passport to the golfing universe, where every
swing tells the story and every part has its pipes lay.
Get ready to step onto the last greens and dive
(36:15):
into the world of divids, drives and delightful better.
Speaker 7 (36:32):
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Speaker 2 (37:27):
Ladies and gentlemen, it is yet another another beautiful session
you head from the get go. Now we're getting into
our second segment where we put people on the spot,
and I have to say, Mike has just been like
he's just killing.
Speaker 5 (37:44):
All the questions that I have.
Speaker 3 (37:45):
Now I'm out of questions.
Speaker 2 (37:46):
I don't know what I'm gonna ask you, but I
will find a way to make sure that I put
the men on the spot. So listen, ladies and gentlemen.
If you do not know who is joining us today,
it is Mike Johnston who is part of RSA and
he plays a crucial role when it comes to the
Golf Sixters League, which is tarketed at new players, new golfers,
(38:08):
people who are interested in golfing, especially juniors. Anyone from
the age of five to eighteen years is allowed to
come through. So the whole idea is to make sure
that golf is fun and also encourage the mindset of
being a team player, because, like Mike explained, we tea
often then we choose the best lie te T shirt
(38:30):
and then we move on so and so. So ladies
and gentlemen, let me not take too much time, and
now let's bring back mister Mike Johnston. Underline, Mike is
still with us.
Speaker 6 (38:40):
I'm still here.
Speaker 4 (38:41):
I still.
Speaker 2 (38:45):
I think I need to refeel when it comes to that,
but I'll do it later on. So Mike, like I
said in our second segment, this is you know, you know,
you know, people always like saying people are being roasted.
Speaker 3 (39:01):
I don't think this is the rooster.
Speaker 2 (39:02):
I would say that this is the grill because it's cool,
We're going to have a lot of fun, and it's
general questions. I don't think there's anything out of the ordinaria.
So let's talk about Let's talk about you as a golfer.
You started at the age of fourteen, but what spocked
you to actually get into golf at that time?
Speaker 4 (39:24):
So for me, I actually was as I said earlier,
I get obsessed with things, and.
Speaker 6 (39:36):
For my first obsession was actually cricket.
Speaker 4 (39:40):
And I remember so I actually lived in for those
who don't know, I lived in Tanzania for you, when
I was in grade three, so up until about the
age of eight, and when I came back, everyone was
playing sports and everyone, all the cool kids, all the
(40:03):
kids that I wanted.
Speaker 6 (40:04):
To be friends with, were playing crickets.
Speaker 5 (40:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (40:09):
And one of the one of.
Speaker 4 (40:10):
Those people actually also named Tony, Tony Desorsi, who now
is opening batsman for the Proteas. And I just remember
I watched Tony and I was like, this guy is
so cool. Yeah, and I just I loved watching him
(40:33):
bats and I was like, man, I really want to
I want to be like like Tony. And yeah, I
took up cricket and that was my first thought. That
was my first love. Then at about fourteen, I went
to the driving range with my grandfather and my grandpa's
(40:58):
been playing golf for sure over sixty years. My grandpa's
Eddy nine and he.
Speaker 6 (41:05):
Still plays golf now or for I think he's about
a twenty handicap. Yeah, And he took me to the
driving range and he tried to get me interested in it,
and I just, Tony, can I be honest, I didn't
enjoy it. Yeah, And I didn't have that initial attraction
(41:28):
like I did for cricket. And then yeah, I remember,
it usually happens when you go with a friend. So
what happens for me, because I'm quite a competitive person
by nature. I'd made a really good friend through cricket
when I got back from Tanzania in grade three, and
(41:51):
he was playing golf, but I didn't I didn't really
know how much golf he was playing. And we went
to the driving range when and this was after I,
you know, golf isn't for me, went to the driving
range with him and his dad and he was hitting
the ball about two hundred and twenty meters or two
(42:13):
hundred and forty meters, and I thought, wow, like it's
going to take me a long time to now compete
with this guy. But it burnt a little bit of
a fire in me, and I was like, Okay, well,
now I need to prove that I can at least
hit it past one hundred meter marker, you know.
Speaker 4 (42:33):
And I remember his dad came to me that day
and he said, if you can get it past the
one hundred meter marker, we'll go play nine holes.
Speaker 3 (42:44):
Yeah, oh lovely.
Speaker 6 (42:46):
And I swung as hard as I could.
Speaker 4 (42:49):
I think it probably took me about one hundred balls tony,
but I got it done.
Speaker 6 (42:55):
I got it just past one hundred meter marker.
Speaker 4 (42:59):
And that day we went to go play nine LS
at Daneford.
Speaker 5 (43:04):
Oh that's nice, man, And I think.
Speaker 4 (43:06):
It's just once you play golf on you once you
experience it on the course. For me, I'm still someone
who I can't stand the driving range. I will only
go there if if I'm critical but stable with my
golf or anyone. Yeah, but normally, you know, I'm one
(43:32):
of those players where I can have a terrible round
on the range. I can well a terrible time on
the range, and I can have shanks and it just
doesn't go well, and then go out onto the course
and you know, I have one of my best rounds.
Yet It's just I think I see the game so
differently when I'm playing versus when I'm on the driving range.
(43:54):
So once I got that opportunity need to actually get
onto the court, then I fol absolutely.
Speaker 2 (44:05):
And I mean like, I like the fact that you're
very honest to say at first I really enjoyed it
at all. And then uh, going there with your friend
it did something to you from a competitive nature to say, listen,
this man cannot hit balls further than me. I'm going
to challenge myself to actually do better. And I think
(44:27):
you actually hitting that one hundred meter mark.
Speaker 5 (44:31):
It's what.
Speaker 2 (44:33):
Actually, it's interesting to me to say, what feeling did
you get after getting it right and making sure that
you hit that ball so far? How did you feel
within yourself and what's the first thing that came to
mind afterwards.
Speaker 4 (44:49):
It's a cliche in the golfing community, but there's always
that one shot that brings you back. And even if
you have the worst round of your life, there's always
that one good shot that you hit and you think,
you think at the end of the of your round, like, oh,
I'm I'm done with this game.
Speaker 6 (45:11):
I'm going to sell my clubs.
Speaker 4 (45:13):
I've had enough, And on the last hole you will
have one shot that you didn't quite.
Speaker 6 (45:20):
Expect that was, you know, a pro could hit.
Speaker 4 (45:24):
And then you go you go home and you like
and someone will say do you want to play golf tomorrow?
Speaker 6 (45:30):
And you're like, yeah, yeah, cool, what's out of time?
You know?
Speaker 5 (45:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (45:36):
So I think there's always that one shot.
Speaker 4 (45:39):
And I remember that first round that I played, Obviously
getting it past one hundred meter marker was a big
step for me at the time. And then when I
played I actually I remember it was it was a
sixth hole, it was an eighty meter PAT three and
I took out a driver because obviously, you know, ever
(46:04):
at that point was on the same day and it
was one hundred meters so to card of driver.
Speaker 6 (46:10):
I hit it on the green.
Speaker 4 (46:12):
That was the first green i'd ever hit, my first
birdie pat I ever had, and I sunk the birdie pat.
Speaker 6 (46:20):
So my first round of golf ever I had.
Speaker 4 (46:24):
A birdie, which which yeah, I mean, you know, I
got praised so much by my friend and his dad.
I think he was a little bit jealous. But that
was that really made me go, okay, cool, let me
give this a go.
Speaker 2 (46:41):
It's quite interesting because I mean, like, like you said,
your first round of golf, you hit a birdie, and
I would presume that's like the one of the most
memorable moments you've had on the golf course, Tony.
Speaker 6 (46:53):
I don't.
Speaker 4 (46:53):
I don't birdy that whole often anymore, so it must
have been a complete fluke. But it brought me back
to the game, like you can't.
Speaker 3 (47:02):
Believe, no, no, no, lovely.
Speaker 2 (47:07):
And then for you, so far since you started playing,
what has been the most challenging aspect of your golf.
Speaker 4 (47:17):
To be honest, the mental game is by far the
most difficult, and I think you see it on the
pro tour as well. I'm currently playing probably the best
golf that I've played so far. I'm currently a scratch
(47:38):
handicap and it's taken me. I have been scratched before,
but it's taken me a long long time to get
back here.
Speaker 6 (47:46):
Yeah, And I think what the difference was is letting
go of that self doubt on the golf course, because
often I would get that. You know, I'd play scratch
league or for any sort of tournament, and my mindset
(48:07):
was so different compared to when I was playing with
my friends. I had this unnecessary pressure that I had
built on myself and you almost get that. Well.
Speaker 4 (48:20):
I mean, in my case, I had imposter syndrome. On
the golf course where I was playing, maybe offered to
handicap at the time, and all of a sudden, people
on the first.
Speaker 6 (48:32):
T go, oh, too, handicap.
Speaker 4 (48:37):
Yeah, your first shout out of bounds and already you
feel like you've got something to prove the whole day.
Speaker 5 (48:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (48:44):
And when I hit a bad shot, I was getting very,
very frustrated with myself and what I've done recently in
the last few years.
Speaker 4 (48:53):
Which has really really helped me in tournament players, just
to take the context out of it. Yeah, so as
a kid, I mean, and you know, going into a
few years ago, actually, when I had a pat Let's
had a pack for par, I was almost telling myself
(49:13):
a story about how important this pat would be to
sink in my head. And I was saying, oh, this
is a part pat. You don't want to miss this
because then you go to three over par. And you know,
I was making this big build up rather than focusing
on what was in front of me.
Speaker 5 (49:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (49:33):
So what I've what I've been doing recently, sorry to interrupt,
is I make sure And I got this advice from
one of my friends, Chris Long, who is a brilliant golfer,
very very good golfer currently playing on bush Fold.
Speaker 6 (49:51):
He's played a few Sunshine to events and he often
caddies for me at Club Champs, which is a huge
advantage over the other players. What he said to me
is when you.
Speaker 4 (50:06):
Just focus on getting the best stroke and how you're
going to get the ball to where you wanted to go,
focus on your line and focus on how.
Speaker 6 (50:17):
You're going to get it there. And as soon as
I started taking that story.
Speaker 4 (50:21):
Out of it, I found that I was thinking more
puts and on the tea box. I wasn't thinking about
where the danger was. I was, you know, looking at
where I wanted to go. So even if I made
a joke and said, oh, don't want to go and
the trees on the.
Speaker 6 (50:40):
Right again like yesterday, he would say Rabbish like, what trees?
Speaker 4 (50:47):
You know you aim in the left side of the
fairway with a little cut, and that's your target. And
as soon as you you know, as soon as that
self doubt started, and it still comes, I'm not gonna
lie to you, but as soon as you can work
with that self doubt and and try to get a
positive thought before you hit the golf ball, try to
(51:10):
go in to each shot with the best mindset possible,
your golf really does.
Speaker 2 (51:16):
Transform no one. Now, I just want to find out.
My earlier on you mentioned that one of your roles
throughout golf RSA career was to review golf courses. Now,
of all the golf courses that you've played in, which
one would you say showed you a challenge? And would
(51:37):
you even go back to that same course again and
try your your best with it again?
Speaker 6 (51:44):
For me, it's let the creek.
Speaker 3 (51:50):
Yeah, didn't me.
Speaker 4 (51:53):
I know, I know that it's it's number one in
the country, and I promise you I'm not getting paid
to say this.
Speaker 6 (52:02):
Because it is. But that of course is built different.
It is an experience. From the moment that you get
through through the Malolan Gate, Leopard Creek is a story
on its own. That golf course.
Speaker 4 (52:20):
I mean from the first hole, you've got the leopard statue,
and there's a leopard statue somewhere on each hole, and
it's a story of the day in the life of
a leopard.
Speaker 6 (52:37):
And I absolutely love that. I think it's it's so called,
it's such an experience.
Speaker 4 (52:42):
And besides even the experience of it, just the way
that that golf course is designed and the way that
it's manicured. I don't think that you could get a
golf course in South Africa that actually compares. Yeah, but
also in difficulty mm hmm. That golf course ate me up.
(53:10):
And a lot of people don't know is that it's
also closer to sea level than you think. So I
was expecting to hit the ball a lot further when
I went to left the creek and it didn't go.
It didn't go like that. I was hitting a lot
of golf ball short.
Speaker 6 (53:27):
Yeah, but what an experience.
Speaker 4 (53:30):
I mean, that's if I ever get the opportunity to
go play that golf course again, if I'm ever lucky enough, Yeah,
I'm keen to take it on again and take it
in my stride.
Speaker 2 (53:48):
Mike, we are approaching the end of the segment, but
I just want to find out from you man.
Speaker 3 (53:53):
Now we re to golf taxas leak right.
Speaker 2 (53:59):
You mentioned that the most ideal position that you guys
want to find yourselves in is to have a large
footprint across the country, just to make sure that everyone
starts getting involved in the spot.
Speaker 3 (54:11):
But with that being said, I.
Speaker 2 (54:13):
Just want to find out how how would actually people
get hold of golf success or be a part of
golf success. What processes are there to take and how
do they actually contact you guys.
Speaker 6 (54:28):
So on.
Speaker 4 (54:29):
On our website, we do have a bit of information
when it comes to Golf Secers League. We are currently
looking to redesign our website. We've started doing a lot
more social media posts when it comes to golf sixers,
So I think the best way would would probably be
(54:51):
to reach out directly my email address is Michael Johnston
at golfer sat. If you want to get a bit
more information about the Golf Sixers League and what it's about,
you can go to our website golfers a dot or
you know, follow us on social media. And what we're
(55:13):
looking to do now is also through the use of TikTok.
Speaker 6 (55:17):
We've started using that for promotion of more of our Golf.
Speaker 4 (55:21):
Sixers leagues because you know, I think that's where we're
going to find a lot more of the youth and
those beginner players and those players who aren't golfers but
would be open to the idea of getting involved in
the game.
Speaker 2 (55:39):
And then, lastly, before I let you go, Mike, as
a project manager for Golf Sixers, is there any changes
that you actually would like to see coming up in
the near future within whether it be the structure of
the league itself, whether it be certain rules within the
league itself. Is there any just that you believe need
(56:02):
to be taken into consideration to actually make sure that
it sticks to its coviator, which is to increase the
number of players and make sure that golf is more
fun than people actually perceive it to be.
Speaker 6 (56:19):
I think we.
Speaker 4 (56:21):
Want to definitely expand, and like anything, if you do
the same thing over and over, you get stagnant. Yeah,
I don't think I could pinpoint one thing and each
and every event. We're learning, and we're growing and we
(56:41):
want to make it better. So we are so open
to feedback from players, from parents, from golfers themselves, and
I think the next step is just to to grow
it so that people really do start seeing the value
in getting beginners into the game and making the game
(57:05):
more accessible, more fun, more affordable.
Speaker 3 (57:10):
No, one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (57:12):
But with that being said, Mike, I just want to
extend a large, a huge, huge thank you to you
to say thank you for joining us today and thank
you to everyone around you who's allowed you this time
to join us. Thank you to Golf RSA for being
incremental in the development of golf in South Africa and
making sure that all golf clubs are bide by the
(57:34):
rules that's been set out by the necessary committees. Thank
you to Golf Success for actually saying, you know what,
we need more younger players in the spot. Let's find
a way to make sure that as much as we
incorporate or we integrate younger players, we make sure that
it still stays fun and relevant for them because as
a child, you want to do things with your friends
(57:57):
and much more than you actually want to do things alone.
So I love that you guys have structured it in
a way that even if it's an individual spot, there's
that team element and the fact that you can choose
the best balls. I mean, it creates that competition environment,
(58:18):
but in a healthy manner. So big ups to you
and the team for actually doing all of this. And yeah, man,
I look forward to seeing U ten pro or going
to on the amateur tollement because your scratch goal for
your as good as the plus the plus twos and
the plus three is day.
Speaker 6 (58:38):
I don't know about that, Tony. There's the reason why
I work in the industry as well.
Speaker 4 (58:46):
Yeah, but I mean, I love my golf and this
conversation has been so cool.
Speaker 6 (58:51):
It's been so nice getting to know you.
Speaker 4 (58:54):
You are such an awesome host, and I love what
you guys are doing for the game of golf as well.
You know, I think having these conversations and making golf
more human again is what it's all about.
Speaker 3 (59:08):
No, one hundred percent, mister Johnston. And as I said.
Speaker 2 (59:11):
A big, big, big ups to you and everyone around
you for giving us this opportunity. And for me, this
conversation has been an eye opener because I didn't really
understand how golf success work, but after you explained it,
it makes better sense. And I have to say this
out loud every single individual that's listening now, and every
(59:34):
single individual who has a child playing different sports, it's
never too late to try and enroll your child for golf.
Like Mike said, he started going to the driving range
with his grandfather and it wasn't fun. But when he
went with his friend and the dead friend the friends dead,
(59:55):
it was a lovely experience because there was a challenge
presented to him and he had to go for it.
So I have to say once again, Mike, have a
lovely one and thank you. Please continue doing what you're
doing golf golf successes. I believe that we will be
seeing an influx of more and more young golfers, and
(01:00:15):
obviously the whole idea is to make sure that we
create professionals and we create professions within the industry to
make sure that the sport continues to live on.
Speaker 6 (01:00:26):
Thanks so much, Toney, it was an awesome experience.
Speaker 2 (01:00:31):
Thank you, Mike, you must have a lovely one, sir,
same to you, Toney, all right, child, all right, ladies
and gentlemen, it is the end of our segment today
and I have to say what an insightful conversation with
Mike Johnston, who is the project manager for Golf Success League.
(01:00:52):
And guys, please, whoever you are out there, let's get
our children. Let's get our youth into the sport because
it is such a lovely sport. There's a lot of
core values that one can develop, there's a lot of
networking that takes place, and it is a family ronment,
family friendly environment where parents can actually play with their
kids as well. So please let's continue pushing the sport itself.
(01:01:17):
You're preaching the sport to whommever that we know who
doesn't play the sport, because from me to you, I
have to tell you even myself, my first day on
the Dravage was not the most love list, but with
the competition around me, because there was about twenty six
other kids around me who started playing golf the same
(01:01:37):
time that I did, it drove me to actually want
to improve on a daily basis. So, ladies and gentlemen,
with that being said, I have to say audios, I
love you guys. Please continue to support this podcast. We
are available on YouTube and you will see some cool
interviews on YouTube where we've interviewed pros, We've interviewed champions,
We've interviewed some of the best coaches they are in
(01:02:01):
South Africa when it comes to golf, and uh what
else a parallel and equipment store owners. We've interviewed them.
So go out there check out our YouTube. It's still
balls and tees and please share the word. Make sure
that we create noise about golf. There is nothing that's
better than golf. Like I always say, if you're working tomorrow,
(01:02:23):
please go to work, do what you have to do.
But for those who are not working tomorrow, be on
the golf course. And then if you work on Friday,
then I need to intervene because Friday, Saturday, Sunday it's
golf day. Monday to Wednesday it's work time. For those
who are working on Thursday. Don't quote me, but you've
got to do something and start playing more golf. With
(01:02:44):
that being said, ladies and gentlemen, the magician, the boy
with a lot of Flair, I am Tony Tone and
I am signing out thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:02:55):
In the world where fairways meet the airwaves, wait, Berdie
and Banker collide. Welcome to the show that takes you
beyond the clubhouse and onto the green, the balls, and
t's your passport to the golfing universe where every swing
tells a story and every part has its punchline. Get
ready to step onto the large greens and dive into
(01:03:18):
the world of divets, drives and delightful better
In a world where fairways meet the airwaves, where Birdie's
and banker collide. Welcome to the show that takes you
beyond the clubhouse and onto the green. This is Balls
and Teas, your passport to the golfing universe, where every
swing tells the story and every part has its punchline.
Get ready to step onto the large screens and dive
(00:25):
into the world of divets, drives and delightful better.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
All right, ladies and gentlemen, It is the one and
only Tony Tone, the Magician the world with a lot
of play and as you know, I am a classic man.
Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to yet another episode of the
one and only podcast that's worth listening to when it
comes to golf talking.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
That's Balls and Teas. Man.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Am I so excited to be here on a Wednesday evening.
Halting Weather Victoria weather as a whole has been quite
fantastic lately. A bit of clouds here and there, but
overall it has been sunny.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
And we are now in.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
April, so this is the first episode of April, and
I can tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that we've got
beautiful things coming. Apart from us having launched our video podcast.
We are joined by someone who is involved in the
revolution of golf, and I will be introducing him in
a few minutes. But as you already know the drill,
(01:37):
before we even get to the cracks of the metal,
you need to get yourself and ice cold glass of
water because it's gonna get hot here tonight. We're gonna
have a lot of fun with our guests, and he
will be telling us what they are busy with on
his site. And yeah, as you know, it goes on.
(01:57):
So ladies and gentlemen, give me a two minute break,
and then let's quickly make sure that we bring our
guests in because he's been waiting for us with anticipation.
He's as excited as I am, and I'm sure there's
a lot that he wants to share.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
So let's go for that two minute break and then
we will be back.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
All right, ladies and gentlemen, As I said, today's show
is going to be heated. I already had one full
glass of ice cold water and I'm on my second one.
But let me not delay anymore because our guest has
been waiting for us, and I can see the man
is ready to speak and tell us what has been
happening in space? Please help me. Welcome mister Mike Johnston, Mike.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Tony, thanks so much for having me. I've got my
is called water by my side and there's.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
Discussion awesome stuff.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
I'm sure that I was called water is just to
cool yourself down because there's so much that you want
to discuss with us of.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
Courndre Listen, Michael.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
So, I tried introducing you, but I don't think that
I've really done justice to your name. So would you
mind reintroducing yourself to our audience and then I just
tell them exactly who you are, what you do, what's
happening in your space, and then we can get into
our discussion afterwards.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Sure.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
So my name is Michael Johnston. I have been in
the golf industry now for three years and I work
with Gofer Essay. So where it all started for me?
And I think it's always nice to just give a
bit of background. So I studied at the University of
(04:11):
Pretoria and I was doing a becom business management.
Speaker 6 (04:15):
I wasn't quite sure exactly what I was going to
go into.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
And I ended up doing my honors in marketing, which
was you know, a lot based on social media and
stuff like that. So straight out of my honors here,
I went to a social media company and I.
Speaker 6 (04:38):
Found that I enjoyed what I did. I liked social media,
but I didn't enjoy it as much as the people
I was working with. They loved it and I liked it.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
So I found that after work, I was just so
keen to get home and you know, I have a
little bit of free time, Whereas the people that I
was working with. It was three girls who were super
hard working, and after work they were searching Facebook strategies
and Instagram tips and coming up with suggestions late at night.
Speaker 6 (05:18):
And I just found that I didn't have that spark.
I didn't have that passion towards social media. So after
that I went, I took a few months off and
I went into sales. I was promised the world for
this job, and it was so different to what I
(05:40):
had been told.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Yeah, was basically cold calling and I would be dropped
off in let's say, wit Bank or Sekunda or wherever
it is for the day. Sometimes it would be two
to three hour drive and I would knock on doors
selling PABX systems, telephones and internet.
Speaker 6 (06:06):
Yeah, So I did that for about four four months.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
That were probably the four hardest months that I've experienced,
and one day I just had enough. I was getting
screamed at every morning. It was basically like the Wolf
of Wall Street, if I'm honest. And then I took
(06:31):
a few months off after that, and while I was
unemployed or in between jobs. However, you want to say,
one of my friends in the golf industry Michael Farson.
Speaker 5 (06:44):
So he's the.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
At Central Cartoon Golf Union, and for his events, I
hopped out with the scoring for a while. And I
mean the scoring was all right, but you know, I
wanted to really get involved in the golf industry. I've
been a golfer myself since I was fourteen. I took
(07:10):
up the game quite late, but I mean I've always like,
since I started getting into golf, I've like, I get
obsessed with it, you know. And I was doing the scoring,
and after that I got into Mike needed me to
manage under thirteen team at the IP team, and I
(07:32):
remember I had little background knowledge when it came to
rules and tournaments and stuff like that. And all the
managers sat in this meeting and Dave Young, who I
work with now. Golfer Essay was the tournament director at
the time, and I remember them talking us through the
(07:53):
rules and how the tournament's going to work. I really
had such little knowledge that all I was doing is
nodding my head in that eating And I remember there
was a time, I think it was a Day two
or day three, we were in between holes and Dave
came up to me on the cart and we had
a little chat, and I just said, Dave, like, I
(08:14):
can see how inspired you are about what you do,
and I would love that, coming from jobs that I
just didn't quite enjoy it before, I'd like to get
involved in the golf industry. And Dave said, listen, we
don't have any openings at golfer Essay at the moment,
(08:37):
but I will let you know. So I carried on
with the scoring for a few months, and I remember
it was but mid December, just before my I got
an email saying that there was an opening in the
handicaps department at golf Essay. So from that day on,
(08:58):
I mean, I went to the interview feel like it
was probably my best interview that I've done so far,
just because it came so naturally.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
You know I.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
Sometimes in a job interview you can try to be
someone that you're not or you're trying to impress people.
But golf was something that I actually did care about
and that I was passionate about. So the interview went
really well. Fast forward three years were here today and
essentially Golfer, I say, is the you know, the national
(09:35):
governing body for golf in South Africa, like you have
the USGA and the RNA, or you have Golf Australia
with the governing body for South Africa. So I got
involved first of all with the handicap side of things
and the course ratings and the slope ratings.
Speaker 6 (09:56):
So that was very cool as a golf for myself.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
I was travel the country playing different courses because one
of the awesome perps about working in the course rating
side of things is once you've rated the course, which
a lot of people confuse with the ranking. We didn't
rank the golf courses like the top one hundred, but
(10:21):
we rate the difficulty of the course. And so once
I got into the course ratings, what's really caused after
you do the actual rating, you play the course so
that you can obviously compare notes with the other rats,
so if we rated the one nine, they rated the
(10:42):
other nine, we could kind of compare notes and make
sure that we've got accurate colors.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
Okay.
Speaker 6 (10:49):
So I really really enjoyed that.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
And as I've progressed, we've introduced a new project that
came through from the RNA, and it's called Golf Sixers League,
And essentially we realized that golf are essay that we
(11:15):
do a lot for the elite player. So you know,
we're definitely trying to get young golfers into the game
from a younger age so that they can play at
that elite level.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
And we want our tournaments to be a level where they.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
Can progress and play, you know, one day on the
European Tour or the PGA Tour, the world to live,
whatever it is. But we felt like we weren't quite
doing enough for the beginner golfer, you know, the player
that hadn't ever stepped foot on a golf course.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Yeah, and the.
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Golf Sixers has been really instrumental in getting beginner players
from grassroots level who have that intimidation factor and have
never played golf in their life. It gives them the
chance to get onto the golf.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Course that's interesting. Just a quick one there, Mike saw
Golf Sixes. From my understanding is that you guys are
trying to involve people who haven't played golf just to
make sure that they get the right basics and get
into the sport and enjoy it as much as people
(12:40):
who have been playing golf. Please correct me if I'm
wrong there, or perhaps there's something that I'm missing there.
Speaker 6 (12:48):
Yeah, I think golf has always been seen as this exclusive,
expensive sports. Yeah, and.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
It makes it difficult for new beginner players to get
into the game because it's got that intimidation factor.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
So what we really wanted to achieve through the Golf
Sixers League is just to make golf fun again. You
see in other sports, for example, with crickets, we've been
now in South Africa, we got the bed Way SA
twenty and for example, I'm just gonna do cricket as
(13:37):
an example, but I mean they had they were doing
test cricket for years and a lot of people, traditional
cricket fans or traditional cricket players were hesitant to go
to different formats because that had been the way that
it had been done.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
For years since the Ashes.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
And as soon as TEA twenty started, you see a
lot more people getting involved in the game of cricket.
The sports started to grow, and a lot more people
started playing, a lot more people started watching. And now
you'll see that the IPL for example, which is a
(14:19):
T twenty tournament, that's where all the money's at. So
we wanted to do something similar with golf sixers and
just to make the traditional game of golf fun again.
So we wanted to make it accessible. You know, golf
is a very very expensive game, Tony. Yeah, and I
(14:43):
mean now you know, a lot of clubs are charging
within one thousand and ran to go play around a
golf which the average person can't afford or doesn't want
to pay. You know, it's only a select few that
have that kind of money. So golf is a very
expensive sport, and we wanted to make it accessible. We
(15:08):
wanted to make it affordable.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
Yeah, and.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Team based as well, you know. So what we do
with the Golf sixers is it works on a Texas
scramble format.
Speaker 6 (15:22):
So let's say, Tony, you and I are.
Speaker 4 (15:27):
Two junior beginner players, which obviously we're not, but let's
just pretend.
Speaker 6 (15:35):
And if we were on a team.
Speaker 4 (15:38):
So we would both hit our drives and then we
would choose the best shot out of our two. Then
we would both play our second shots from that chosen ball.
Speaker 5 (15:51):
Yeah, then we would choose the.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
Best second shot and play from there, and that would
go on. Even on the putting green. We were choose,
you know, the best part until the ball goes and
goes in the hole. So that's kind of the format.
And we wanted to make golf because it's such an
individualistic sport, we wanted to make a team based and
I think that's that's really what the Golf Sixers League
(16:20):
is is all about.
Speaker 3 (16:22):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
And then and then, so far since the inception of golf,
sexes has been the intake from the general public.
Speaker 4 (16:33):
So I think with with any project, you know, getting
it off the ground can be difficult, and people are
so used to a certain way of doing things. Found
with so obviously working in the with the World Handicap system.
(16:55):
When we first brought the World Handicap System into play,
and so that twenty twenty, we had a lot of
hesitation because people were so used to the old handicap system.
And I think once once you start getting a little
bit of momentum and a few people start relaxing to
(17:19):
the idea. That's when exciting things happened. So with Golf Sixers,
initially it was it was difficult. We had a lot
of clubs that were very hesitant to host events because
you know, they had no proof of concept, they hadn't
seen it work before. And you know, since I think
(17:44):
we started our first Golf sixers event was it was
the beginning of July in twenty twenty three, and so
it's been going on for just over a year half
and so far we've we've introduced about eight hundred golfers
(18:05):
to the game of golf. So our main goal with
that is getting those beginners into the game so that
they don't have that intimidation factor, so that they can
play with other beginner golfers and eventually, you know, those
players can become a member of a club and get
(18:28):
a handicap index and start to love the game that.
Speaker 6 (18:33):
We all love.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
And I think what you guys are doing is actually
very key because I mean, if Golf six's main objective
is to attract new players into the spot, which is
what everybody wants to see the spot growing, Getting new
players in the market. I really really think it's that
it's a nice deal and like you're saying, once somebody
gets the whold of things, they can then start being
(19:00):
affiliated with certain clubs, which is I think the most
intimidating thing for people to say, I want to start
playing golf, but do I necessarily have to have a
membership from the get go. So what golf SEXSS is
doing from what I'm gathering, is that you guys want
to bring people into the game, let them enjoy and
make sure that it's fun. It becomes a team spot
(19:23):
instead of an individually based sport. So big ups to
you guys for doing that. But now I would like
to find out right you mentioned that you are with
Golf RSA and golf Our say you've been part of it.
You guys came up with the concept of golf secses.
But from obviously golf ours and being well established and
(19:48):
golf sex is being a product there of how have
they been is how have golf been instrumental in making
sure that golf clubs participate in what the golf sixes
are doing?
Speaker 4 (20:02):
So I think also the golfes say name has quite
a lot of credibility behind it, so you know, we
do a lot for the golf clubs and we're always
trying to improve and we're always trying to do more
and to make the sport enjoyable, to grow the sport,
(20:24):
and we really you know.
Speaker 6 (20:26):
Essentially it's like a rules official.
Speaker 4 (20:29):
Like rules officials, a lot of people get the wrong
idea and they think that they are to get you, and.
Speaker 6 (20:36):
You know, their job is really to help the player.
Speaker 4 (20:39):
And our job, as golf say, is to help the
golf clubs and to make their life easier.
Speaker 6 (20:47):
So I think.
Speaker 4 (20:49):
What we try to do with the Golf Sixers League
is work with the golf clubs. So you know, you
don't want to sell this idea of golf sixers lead
to the club and there's nothing in it for the club.
So we do make sure that the club is at
least remunerated for some of their green fees that they
(21:13):
might have lost. Because golf sixers works with six holes,
so it's a six hole routing. And obviously most courses,
especially you know, I'm from joe Burg, so most courses
in joe Burg got eighteen old courses. So to find
(21:35):
a routing, it can be difficult sometimes to find an
exact routing that starts and ends at the club house,
that is six holes, and we found that when we
first started it, we would let's say, we would go
from the frontis, which is usually the red teas, but
(21:57):
because it was beginner players, even that was far too
long and we were promoting Golf Sixer's League has been
something that's that's fast paced and exciting. But you know,
players were taking over three hours to play six holes.
Speaker 6 (22:17):
So what we needed to do is we.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
Went back to the drawing board and we said, okay,
we need to make this course so that it's not
a drag for the players, it's not too long for them,
and they still get excited. You know, you don't want
a player making a ten on every hole, so we
(22:40):
do have a maxi limit of ten shots. But what
we did is we made the holes let's say for
a path three, it would be on average about one
hundred meters. Our powers would start from close to one
hundred and fifty marker and our part fives close to
two hundred.
Speaker 6 (22:58):
So we would set our own mind beckers closer to
the green.
Speaker 4 (23:03):
And then that made sure that you know, our Golf
Sixers events were a lot quicker and the kids were
staying engaged because as a kid, if you do something
for a long time, you know, you can get distracted
so easily.
Speaker 6 (23:18):
So we wanted to make it as quick as possible.
Speaker 4 (23:22):
And I think what's been really really key is getting
the parents involved. Yeah, so the parents often come with
and they'll come on a golf cart, and we encourage
parents to come to our Golf Sixers League events because
you know, they get to spend a bit of time
(23:42):
with their kid and their kids are having fun playing
with their friends or playing with new players. And the
parents often help with the scoring and you know, coaching
their kid when they get a little bit down or
a bit frustrated, and that really, you know, it makes
it fun for the players and the parents.
Speaker 2 (24:02):
M I know, And just another question there, Mike, I
just want to find out when it comes to intake,
what would you say is the crucial age for someone
who would like to join go sixts league?
Speaker 3 (24:19):
What from what year do you take them in and
up to what year?
Speaker 4 (24:25):
So in terms of age, we are targeting so because
it's an RNA initiative and the RNA seemed Juniors is
the best way of getting people into the sport.
Speaker 6 (24:43):
We target.
Speaker 4 (24:44):
You know, I guess your junior players would be anyone
under the age of eighteen years okay, and obviously you're
you're you're really young players. It's it's awesome to see
your five and six year old, those tiny kids just
swinging a golf.
Speaker 6 (25:03):
Club with their little tiger clubs. You know, it's awesome
seeing that and how excited they get when because we
don't do prizes.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
So.
Speaker 4 (25:17):
Because it's not the focus is not to worry so
much about your sports, to start enjoying the game of golf.
So we just give everyone a medal at the end
of each event and just to see, like a you know,
a five to eight year olds, the smile on their
face when they get that medal at the end is
(25:41):
so fulfilling.
Speaker 6 (25:42):
But having said.
Speaker 4 (25:43):
That, you know, we've had we've had sixteen seventeen year
olds at our event who have absolutely loved it. And
I think, you know, perhaps before before they were just
a little bit scared to get involved in the game
of golf because they didn't want to look.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
Like a beginner. They didn't want.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
To be the one that's holding up the field. So yeah,
we encourage anyone, I guess under the age of eighteen,
any junior who is a beginner or has a handicap
of over.
Speaker 6 (26:19):
Thirty six to get involved in the Golf Sixers.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
Okay, that's beautiful, And I just want to find out
from you, as part of the team that actually organizes
our plans Golf Secers League, what has been the most
memorable moment for you since you started working on this project.
Speaker 6 (26:45):
We do a.
Speaker 4 (26:45):
Lot of work with the South African Golf Development Board
and Golfer I say, do a lot of work with
the South African Golf Development Board also known as the SAGDB.
Speaker 5 (26:59):
Yeah, and the s a GDB.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
For those who don't know, gives opportunities to players from
underprivileged backgrounds and gives them a chance in life and
it gives them a chance to play golf from a
grassroots level. So with the Golf Sixers, we've got our
(27:22):
Golf sixers events that we do on occasion. We usually
look to do those during the school holidays. Yeah, but
year around, we also collaborate with the SAGDB and we
have s a GDB Golf Sixers leagues. Oh well, Now
(27:44):
these are tailored to all those underprivileged players, players who
might not get the chance and we look at those
very beginner players. So we have inside Africa, we have
fourteen golf unions. Okay, so within the SAGDB, we've got
(28:07):
a manager for each region. So what we've done is
each manager runs their own SAGDB Golf Sixers league in
the in the region and we've we've given so many
opportunities to players who wouldn't necessarily have the ability to
(28:32):
play golf if it wasn't for the golf sixers leagues. Yeah,
so that's been Yeah, that's been really really crucial and
I think that's been the most rewarding part of golf sixers.
Speaker 6 (28:46):
So one of our one of our.
Speaker 4 (28:51):
O that we gave to For example, we had a
league in Pumlanga, SAGDB Sixers League in a Pumlanga and
I mean Leopard Creek, as most of you will know,
is the number one course in South Africa.
Speaker 6 (29:12):
I was privileged enough.
Speaker 4 (29:13):
To go there for the first time in twenty twenty three.
So what we did is for our golf sixers league
that we had going on in malalan Is, we said
the top two teams could go play at the par
three course at Leppard Creek.
Speaker 6 (29:33):
So we had two teams each of six.
Speaker 4 (29:35):
Players, and we had a full golf sixers event there
at the par three course, and it was just awesome
to see the smiles on their faces. What we've also
done is for the Open recently, which is at Urban
Country Club, we brought similarly, we had two of our
(29:59):
teams from case it In that came first in their league,
and they walked with some of the players during the program.
So we had six players that walked with Charles Schwartzel
and his group, and then we had another six players
who walked with Casey Jarvis and their group. And afterwards
(30:23):
they had a little short game clinic with Volco Ninaba
and Rupert Kaminski. And for them, I mean, they absolutely
loved it. And Volco and Rupert were amazing, you know
they were They said, like, I'm not giving out any.
Speaker 6 (30:42):
High fives unless you guys smile. They said, like golf,
golf is supposed.
Speaker 4 (30:50):
To be you know, I think the kids were at first,
and he said, golf is supposed to be a fun game. Yeah,
it's not supposed to be taken so seriously, and they
made it so fun for all the kids involved. And
I think just seeing the impact that it had on
(31:10):
their lives. Is that's the most rewarding part about what
I do and what we do through the Gulf Sexers.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Awesome stuff. Now, I just want to ask you, Mike.
I mean, there's tournaments everywhere. You just mentioned that when
you mentioned longer for you as a part of the team.
What are some of the logistical aspects involved in managing
and administering all these leagues across the country. I mean,
(31:39):
how do you go about making sure that you've got
the energy and you're always on time and you make
sure that things flow all over the country.
Speaker 4 (31:52):
So to have the energy all the time can be difficult,
But I mean I think from a logistical point of view,
the way that we try to run it, especially with
the SAGDB Golf sixers leagues, is we give because the
(32:16):
SAGDB manager knows his players and he knows his regions
so well, we give him the authority to and the
freedom for him to run the league in a way
that works best for him and his players. So each
(32:36):
manager comes up with their own golf sixers league and
after each game they submit all the scores and then
my job is to on the back end and you know,
put in all the scores board and send it back
(32:56):
to the players. And in terms of our golf sixers events,
we started and most of our events have been in
Central Karteng, So from a logistical point of view, one
of our big plans is expansion. Yeah, and our aim
(33:20):
at the moment is to get the proof of concept
and to have the process so nailed down that once
we've had all these events in Central Karteng, we can
almost choose the specific role player in each region and
expand the project throughout South Africa. But as you know,
(33:44):
starting something, it starts off small, yeah, but you have
to You just have to keep working on it and
keep working on it and eventually, you know, it blows up.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
I don't know, but I think it goes with time.
Like you said, I mean, it's only about a year
and a half and you've got over eight hundred people
enrolled with Class six Sleeku, which is close to one
person signing up a day. So I think you guys
are doing a great job and I look forward to
seeing more of these tournaments around South Africa. I look
(34:23):
forward to see more juniors being involved in the fact
that you're trying to incorporate a family friendly environment where
the parents are also asked to also party and make
sure that the kids are enjoying what they do. So
what the product that you guys haven't I don't want
to lie. It is quite a phenomenal product, and I
(34:44):
wish it came through Alia like in the early two
thousands because if that was the case, I believe that
we would have created more and more proper golfers within
South Africa. But with that being that, Mica, can we
go for a two minute break and then when we
get back, I just want to put you on the
(35:06):
spot a bit and make sure that I frustrate you
with some of the questions that I haven't.
Speaker 3 (35:10):
Learned for you.
Speaker 6 (35:14):
I'm kid, Let's do it.
Speaker 5 (35:19):
I'm just kidding.
Speaker 2 (35:20):
There won't be hectic questions, but it's more around the
sport itself, to say how have you seen the sports
grow over the years? And then you mentioned that you
started at fourteen, and I believe that something must expect
you to actually start. So when we come back, let's
get into that. Let's find out where your golf is
(35:41):
sitting and then let's see where golf sixty sleek is
also hitting.
Speaker 5 (35:47):
Let's do it, Tony awesome stuff.
Speaker 1 (35:53):
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Speaker 2 (37:27):
Ladies and gentlemen, it is yet another another beautiful session
you head from the get go. Now we're getting into
our second segment where we put people on the spot,
and I have to say, Mike has just been like
he's just killing.
Speaker 5 (37:44):
All the questions that I have.
Speaker 3 (37:45):
Now I'm out of questions.
Speaker 2 (37:46):
I don't know what I'm gonna ask you, but I
will find a way to make sure that I put
the men on the spot. So listen, ladies and gentlemen.
If you do not know who is joining us today,
it is Mike Johnston who is part of RSA and
he plays a crucial role when it comes to the
Golf Sixters League, which is tarketed at new players, new golfers,
(38:08):
people who are interested in golfing, especially juniors. Anyone from
the age of five to eighteen years is allowed to
come through. So the whole idea is to make sure
that golf is fun and also encourage the mindset of
being a team player, because, like Mike explained, we tea
often then we choose the best lie te T shirt
(38:30):
and then we move on so and so. So ladies
and gentlemen, let me not take too much time, and
now let's bring back mister Mike Johnston. Underline, Mike is
still with us.
Speaker 6 (38:40):
I'm still here.
Speaker 4 (38:41):
I still.
Speaker 2 (38:45):
I think I need to refeel when it comes to that,
but I'll do it later on. So Mike, like I
said in our second segment, this is you know, you know,
you know, people always like saying people are being roasted.
Speaker 3 (39:01):
I don't think this is the rooster.
Speaker 2 (39:02):
I would say that this is the grill because it's cool,
We're going to have a lot of fun, and it's
general questions. I don't think there's anything out of the ordinaria.
So let's talk about Let's talk about you as a golfer.
You started at the age of fourteen, but what spocked
you to actually get into golf at that time?
Speaker 4 (39:24):
So for me, I actually was as I said earlier,
I get obsessed with things, and.
Speaker 6 (39:36):
For my first obsession was actually cricket.
Speaker 4 (39:40):
And I remember so I actually lived in for those
who don't know, I lived in Tanzania for you, when
I was in grade three, so up until about the
age of eight, and when I came back, everyone was
playing sports and everyone, all the cool kids, all the
(40:03):
kids that I wanted.
Speaker 6 (40:04):
To be friends with, were playing crickets.
Speaker 5 (40:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (40:09):
And one of the one of.
Speaker 4 (40:10):
Those people actually also named Tony, Tony Desorsi, who now
is opening batsman for the Proteas. And I just remember
I watched Tony and I was like, this guy is
so cool. Yeah, and I just I loved watching him
(40:33):
bats and I was like, man, I really want to
I want to be like like Tony. And yeah, I
took up cricket and that was my first thought. That
was my first love. Then at about fourteen, I went
to the driving range with my grandfather and my grandpa's
(40:58):
been playing golf for sure over sixty years. My grandpa's
Eddy nine and he.
Speaker 6 (41:05):
Still plays golf now or for I think he's about
a twenty handicap. Yeah, And he took me to the
driving range and he tried to get me interested in it,
and I just, Tony, can I be honest, I didn't
enjoy it. Yeah, And I didn't have that initial attraction
(41:28):
like I did for cricket. And then yeah, I remember,
it usually happens when you go with a friend. So
what happens for me, because I'm quite a competitive person
by nature. I'd made a really good friend through cricket
when I got back from Tanzania in grade three, and
(41:51):
he was playing golf, but I didn't I didn't really
know how much golf he was playing. And we went
to the driving range when and this was after I,
you know, golf isn't for me, went to the driving
range with him and his dad and he was hitting
the ball about two hundred and twenty meters or two
(42:13):
hundred and forty meters, and I thought, wow, like it's
going to take me a long time to now compete
with this guy. But it burnt a little bit of
a fire in me, and I was like, Okay, well,
now I need to prove that I can at least
hit it past one hundred meter marker, you know.
Speaker 4 (42:33):
And I remember his dad came to me that day
and he said, if you can get it past the
one hundred meter marker, we'll go play nine holes.
Speaker 3 (42:44):
Yeah, oh lovely.
Speaker 6 (42:46):
And I swung as hard as I could.
Speaker 4 (42:49):
I think it probably took me about one hundred balls tony,
but I got it done.
Speaker 6 (42:55):
I got it just past one hundred meter marker.
Speaker 4 (42:59):
And that day we went to go play nine LS
at Daneford.
Speaker 5 (43:04):
Oh that's nice, man, And I think.
Speaker 4 (43:06):
It's just once you play golf on you once you
experience it on the course. For me, I'm still someone
who I can't stand the driving range. I will only
go there if if I'm critical but stable with my
golf or anyone. Yeah, but normally, you know, I'm one
(43:32):
of those players where I can have a terrible round
on the range. I can well a terrible time on
the range, and I can have shanks and it just
doesn't go well, and then go out onto the course
and you know, I have one of my best rounds.
Yet It's just I think I see the game so
differently when I'm playing versus when I'm on the driving range.
(43:54):
So once I got that opportunity need to actually get
onto the court, then I fol absolutely.
Speaker 2 (44:05):
And I mean like, I like the fact that you're
very honest to say at first I really enjoyed it
at all. And then uh, going there with your friend
it did something to you from a competitive nature to say, listen,
this man cannot hit balls further than me. I'm going
to challenge myself to actually do better. And I think
(44:27):
you actually hitting that one hundred meter mark.
Speaker 5 (44:31):
It's what.
Speaker 2 (44:33):
Actually, it's interesting to me to say, what feeling did
you get after getting it right and making sure that
you hit that ball so far? How did you feel
within yourself and what's the first thing that came to
mind afterwards.
Speaker 4 (44:49):
It's a cliche in the golfing community, but there's always
that one shot that brings you back. And even if
you have the worst round of your life, there's always
that one good shot that you hit and you think,
you think at the end of the of your round, like, oh,
I'm I'm done with this game.
Speaker 6 (45:11):
I'm going to sell my clubs.
Speaker 4 (45:13):
I've had enough, And on the last hole you will
have one shot that you didn't quite.
Speaker 6 (45:20):
Expect that was, you know, a pro could hit.
Speaker 4 (45:24):
And then you go you go home and you like
and someone will say do you want to play golf tomorrow?
Speaker 6 (45:30):
And you're like, yeah, yeah, cool, what's out of time?
You know?
Speaker 5 (45:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (45:36):
So I think there's always that one shot.
Speaker 4 (45:39):
And I remember that first round that I played, Obviously
getting it past one hundred meter marker was a big
step for me at the time. And then when I
played I actually I remember it was it was a
sixth hole, it was an eighty meter PAT three and
I took out a driver because obviously, you know, ever
(46:04):
at that point was on the same day and it
was one hundred meters so to card of driver.
Speaker 6 (46:10):
I hit it on the green.
Speaker 4 (46:12):
That was the first green i'd ever hit, my first
birdie pat I ever had, and I sunk the birdie pat.
Speaker 6 (46:20):
So my first round of golf ever I had.
Speaker 4 (46:24):
A birdie, which which yeah, I mean, you know, I
got praised so much by my friend and his dad.
I think he was a little bit jealous. But that
was that really made me go, okay, cool, let me
give this a go.
Speaker 2 (46:41):
It's quite interesting because I mean, like, like you said,
your first round of golf, you hit a birdie, and
I would presume that's like the one of the most
memorable moments you've had on the golf course, Tony.
Speaker 6 (46:53):
I don't.
Speaker 4 (46:53):
I don't birdy that whole often anymore, so it must
have been a complete fluke. But it brought me back
to the game, like you can't.
Speaker 3 (47:02):
Believe, no, no, no, lovely.
Speaker 2 (47:07):
And then for you, so far since you started playing,
what has been the most challenging aspect of your golf.
Speaker 4 (47:17):
To be honest, the mental game is by far the
most difficult, and I think you see it on the
pro tour as well. I'm currently playing probably the best
golf that I've played so far. I'm currently a scratch
(47:38):
handicap and it's taken me. I have been scratched before,
but it's taken me a long long time to get
back here.
Speaker 6 (47:46):
Yeah, And I think what the difference was is letting
go of that self doubt on the golf course, because
often I would get that. You know, I'd play scratch
league or for any sort of tournament, and my mindset
(48:07):
was so different compared to when I was playing with
my friends. I had this unnecessary pressure that I had
built on myself and you almost get that. Well.
Speaker 4 (48:20):
I mean, in my case, I had imposter syndrome. On
the golf course where I was playing, maybe offered to
handicap at the time, and all of a sudden, people
on the first.
Speaker 6 (48:32):
T go, oh, too, handicap.
Speaker 4 (48:37):
Yeah, your first shout out of bounds and already you
feel like you've got something to prove the whole day.
Speaker 5 (48:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (48:44):
And when I hit a bad shot, I was getting very,
very frustrated with myself and what I've done recently in
the last few years.
Speaker 4 (48:53):
Which has really really helped me in tournament players, just
to take the context out of it. Yeah, so as
a kid, I mean, and you know, going into a
few years ago, actually, when I had a pat Let's
had a pack for par, I was almost telling myself
(49:13):
a story about how important this pat would be to
sink in my head. And I was saying, oh, this
is a part pat. You don't want to miss this
because then you go to three over par. And you know,
I was making this big build up rather than focusing
on what was in front of me.
Speaker 5 (49:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (49:33):
So what I've what I've been doing recently, sorry to interrupt,
is I make sure And I got this advice from
one of my friends, Chris Long, who is a brilliant golfer,
very very good golfer currently playing on bush Fold.
Speaker 6 (49:51):
He's played a few Sunshine to events and he often
caddies for me at Club Champs, which is a huge
advantage over the other players. What he said to me
is when you.
Speaker 4 (50:06):
Just focus on getting the best stroke and how you're
going to get the ball to where you wanted to go,
focus on your line and focus on how.
Speaker 6 (50:17):
You're going to get it there. And as soon as
I started taking that story.
Speaker 4 (50:21):
Out of it, I found that I was thinking more
puts and on the tea box. I wasn't thinking about
where the danger was. I was, you know, looking at
where I wanted to go. So even if I made
a joke and said, oh, don't want to go and
the trees on the.
Speaker 6 (50:40):
Right again like yesterday, he would say Rabbish like, what trees?
Speaker 4 (50:47):
You know you aim in the left side of the
fairway with a little cut, and that's your target. And
as soon as you you know, as soon as that
self doubt started, and it still comes, I'm not gonna
lie to you, but as soon as you can work
with that self doubt and and try to get a
positive thought before you hit the golf ball, try to
(51:10):
go in to each shot with the best mindset possible,
your golf really does.
Speaker 2 (51:16):
Transform no one. Now, I just want to find out.
My earlier on you mentioned that one of your roles
throughout golf RSA career was to review golf courses. Now,
of all the golf courses that you've played in, which
one would you say showed you a challenge? And would
(51:37):
you even go back to that same course again and
try your your best with it again?
Speaker 6 (51:44):
For me, it's let the creek.
Speaker 3 (51:50):
Yeah, didn't me.
Speaker 4 (51:53):
I know, I know that it's it's number one in
the country, and I promise you I'm not getting paid
to say this.
Speaker 6 (52:02):
Because it is. But that of course is built different.
It is an experience. From the moment that you get
through through the Malolan Gate, Leopard Creek is a story
on its own. That golf course.
Speaker 4 (52:20):
I mean from the first hole, you've got the leopard statue,
and there's a leopard statue somewhere on each hole, and
it's a story of the day in the life of
a leopard.
Speaker 6 (52:37):
And I absolutely love that. I think it's it's so called,
it's such an experience.
Speaker 4 (52:42):
And besides even the experience of it, just the way
that that golf course is designed and the way that
it's manicured. I don't think that you could get a
golf course in South Africa that actually compares. Yeah, but
also in difficulty mm hmm. That golf course ate me up.
(53:10):
And a lot of people don't know is that it's
also closer to sea level than you think. So I
was expecting to hit the ball a lot further when
I went to left the creek and it didn't go.
It didn't go like that. I was hitting a lot
of golf ball short.
Speaker 6 (53:27):
Yeah, but what an experience.
Speaker 4 (53:30):
I mean, that's if I ever get the opportunity to
go play that golf course again, if I'm ever lucky enough, Yeah,
I'm keen to take it on again and take it
in my stride.
Speaker 2 (53:48):
Mike, we are approaching the end of the segment, but
I just want to find out from you man.
Speaker 3 (53:53):
Now we re to golf taxas leak right.
Speaker 2 (53:59):
You mentioned that the most ideal position that you guys
want to find yourselves in is to have a large
footprint across the country, just to make sure that everyone
starts getting involved in the spot.
Speaker 3 (54:11):
But with that being said, I.
Speaker 2 (54:13):
Just want to find out how how would actually people
get hold of golf success or be a part of
golf success. What processes are there to take and how
do they actually contact you guys.
Speaker 6 (54:28):
So on.
Speaker 4 (54:29):
On our website, we do have a bit of information
when it comes to Golf Secers League. We are currently
looking to redesign our website. We've started doing a lot
more social media posts when it comes to golf sixers,
So I think the best way would would probably be
(54:51):
to reach out directly my email address is Michael Johnston
at golfer sat. If you want to get a bit
more information about the Golf Sixers League and what it's about,
you can go to our website golfers a dot or
you know, follow us on social media. And what we're
(55:13):
looking to do now is also through the use of TikTok.
Speaker 6 (55:17):
We've started using that for promotion of more of our Golf.
Speaker 4 (55:21):
Sixers leagues because you know, I think that's where we're
going to find a lot more of the youth and
those beginner players and those players who aren't golfers but
would be open to the idea of getting involved in
the game.
Speaker 2 (55:39):
And then, lastly, before I let you go, Mike, as
a project manager for Golf Sixers, is there any changes
that you actually would like to see coming up in
the near future within whether it be the structure of
the league itself, whether it be certain rules within the
league itself. Is there any just that you believe need
(56:02):
to be taken into consideration to actually make sure that
it sticks to its coviator, which is to increase the
number of players and make sure that golf is more
fun than people actually perceive it to be.
Speaker 6 (56:19):
I think we.
Speaker 4 (56:21):
Want to definitely expand, and like anything, if you do
the same thing over and over, you get stagnant. Yeah,
I don't think I could pinpoint one thing and each
and every event. We're learning, and we're growing and we
(56:41):
want to make it better. So we are so open
to feedback from players, from parents, from golfers themselves, and
I think the next step is just to to grow
it so that people really do start seeing the value
in getting beginners into the game and making the game
(57:05):
more accessible, more fun, more affordable.
Speaker 3 (57:10):
No, one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (57:12):
But with that being said, Mike, I just want to
extend a large, a huge, huge thank you to you
to say thank you for joining us today and thank
you to everyone around you who's allowed you this time
to join us. Thank you to Golf RSA for being
incremental in the development of golf in South Africa and
making sure that all golf clubs are bide by the
(57:34):
rules that's been set out by the necessary committees. Thank
you to Golf Success for actually saying, you know what,
we need more younger players in the spot. Let's find
a way to make sure that as much as we
incorporate or we integrate younger players, we make sure that
it still stays fun and relevant for them because as
a child, you want to do things with your friends
(57:57):
and much more than you actually want to do things alone.
So I love that you guys have structured it in
a way that even if it's an individual spot, there's
that team element and the fact that you can choose
the best balls. I mean, it creates that competition environment,
(58:18):
but in a healthy manner. So big ups to you
and the team for actually doing all of this. And yeah, man,
I look forward to seeing U ten pro or going
to on the amateur tollement because your scratch goal for
your as good as the plus the plus twos and
the plus three is day.
Speaker 6 (58:38):
I don't know about that, Tony. There's the reason why
I work in the industry as well.
Speaker 4 (58:46):
Yeah, but I mean, I love my golf and this
conversation has been so cool.
Speaker 6 (58:51):
It's been so nice getting to know you.
Speaker 4 (58:54):
You are such an awesome host, and I love what
you guys are doing for the game of golf as well.
You know, I think having these conversations and making golf
more human again is what it's all about.
Speaker 3 (59:08):
No, one hundred percent, mister Johnston. And as I said.
Speaker 2 (59:11):
A big, big, big ups to you and everyone around
you for giving us this opportunity. And for me, this
conversation has been an eye opener because I didn't really
understand how golf success work, but after you explained it,
it makes better sense. And I have to say this
out loud every single individual that's listening now, and every
(59:34):
single individual who has a child playing different sports, it's
never too late to try and enroll your child for golf.
Like Mike said, he started going to the driving range
with his grandfather and it wasn't fun. But when he
went with his friend and the dead friend the friends dead,
(59:55):
it was a lovely experience because there was a challenge
presented to him and he had to go for it.
So I have to say once again, Mike, have a
lovely one and thank you. Please continue doing what you're
doing golf golf successes. I believe that we will be
seeing an influx of more and more young golfers, and
(01:00:15):
obviously the whole idea is to make sure that we
create professionals and we create professions within the industry to
make sure that the sport continues to live on.
Speaker 6 (01:00:26):
Thanks so much, Toney, it was an awesome experience.
Speaker 2 (01:00:31):
Thank you, Mike, you must have a lovely one, sir,
same to you, Toney, all right, child, all right, ladies
and gentlemen, it is the end of our segment today
and I have to say what an insightful conversation with
Mike Johnston, who is the project manager for Golf Success League.
(01:00:52):
And guys, please, whoever you are out there, let's get
our children. Let's get our youth into the sport because
it is such a lovely sport. There's a lot of
core values that one can develop, there's a lot of
networking that takes place, and it is a family ronment,
family friendly environment where parents can actually play with their
kids as well. So please let's continue pushing the sport itself.
(01:01:17):
You're preaching the sport to whommever that we know who
doesn't play the sport, because from me to you, I
have to tell you even myself, my first day on
the Dravage was not the most love list, but with
the competition around me, because there was about twenty six
other kids around me who started playing golf the same
(01:01:37):
time that I did, it drove me to actually want
to improve on a daily basis. So, ladies and gentlemen,
with that being said, I have to say audios, I
love you guys. Please continue to support this podcast. We
are available on YouTube and you will see some cool
interviews on YouTube where we've interviewed pros, We've interviewed champions,
We've interviewed some of the best coaches they are in
(01:02:01):
South Africa when it comes to golf, and uh what
else a parallel and equipment store owners. We've interviewed them.
So go out there check out our YouTube. It's still
balls and tees and please share the word. Make sure
that we create noise about golf. There is nothing that's
better than golf. Like I always say, if you're working tomorrow,
(01:02:23):
please go to work, do what you have to do.
But for those who are not working tomorrow, be on
the golf course. And then if you work on Friday,
then I need to intervene because Friday, Saturday, Sunday it's
golf day. Monday to Wednesday it's work time. For those
who are working on Thursday. Don't quote me, but you've
got to do something and start playing more golf. With
(01:02:44):
that being said, ladies and gentlemen, the magician, the boy
with a lot of Flair, I am Tony Tone and
I am signing out thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:02:55):
In the world where fairways meet the airwaves, wait, Berdie
and Banker collide. Welcome to the show that takes you
beyond the clubhouse and onto the green, the balls, and
t's your passport to the golfing universe where every swing
tells a story and every part has its punchline. Get
ready to step onto the large greens and dive into
(01:03:18):
the world of divets, drives and delightful better
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