Manning's mission a true blessing for SAGDB

Roger Manning's mission to support golf development in Gauteng North has turned the nine-hole golf course at Hillside Golf Club into a beacon of hope for the children enrolled in the South African Golf Development Board's programme in the region.

"I took over the club in 2003, shortly after the course opened, and immediately invited the SAGDB's Gauteng North arm to make Hillside a prime location for its coaching programme," explains Manning.

Manning identified the SAGDB as a beneficiary, having seen their programme in action at Huddle Park, from where he transferred in 2003. "To me this was the perfect teaching ground for learner golfers."

"There are two driving ranges, with space for more than 100 kids at the driving range at any given time. So it made sense to me to build a relationship with the SAGDB and over the last few years, thousands of children have passed through Hillside."

Since opening their doors to the SAGDB six years ago, Manning and his staff have remained devoted to the cause.

Hillside not only opens its practice facilities to the children seven days a week, but provides equipment and storage facilities, gives the SAGDB learners ample course time, organises holiday competitions and encourages its members to play with the learners.

Over the years, several SAGDB members have also been selected for Hillside's league teams.

It is all part of the amazing success story that is Hillside Golf Club - a par-35 layout - with three par-3s, four par-4s and two challenging par-5s - which was formerly a municipal dump.

"It was actually a sand quarry, then a municipal dump for 30 years," Manning explains. "The Tshwane Metropol planned for a sports complex, but finally went ahead with the golf course. The ground was very unfertile and we battled to get grass cover. We are at about 90% now and it really looks fantastic."

"Hillside has a modern design with a distinct links feel, with USGA spec greens and long rye grass in the rough. Because we are on the side of the Magalies mountain range, we get a lot of wind."

"But from the moment I saw the layout, which was designed by Rob O'Friel, I knew that this would be a course where the children would thrive."

Having a golf club so committed to development is very encouraging for the learners, says SAGDB's manager in Gauteng North, Willie van Zyl.

"We are delighted with the generosity and support from Roger and everyone else at Hillside. Our learners are confident that they will be treated with courtesy and feel comfortable to go there, even on their own. Roger is always willing to assist and our coaches appreciate his advice."

With four SAGDB coaches living nearby, Hillside is a hive of activity on any given day.

"By providing a facility here for as many children as possible to receive coaching, to train and develop, we are giving a lot of children a chance in life," said Manning. "Golf gives the children hope. It can create opportunities for many of the children in the programme, be it playing, coaching or working in the golf industry."

"We all just have to do our little bit to make it happen."

About the SAGDB
Founded in 1999, the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) is the only body officially tasked with growing the game of golf in South Africa. The SAGDB is a non-profit organisation and is fully endorsed by government and all of South Africa's official golfing bodies. Through its PGA-approved coaching programme, the board currently has the capacity to coach 3,500 children per week in ten regions. The SAGDB is sponsored by SAA, City Lodge, the Pro Shop and ProRange