GOLF DATA: Keeping SA Among the World’s Best Golf

Golf in South Africa is big business – a driver of tourism and employment, conjuring images of sweeping valleys, mountainous backdrops and lush green landscapes that is simply as good as it gets on the global stage. The industry is experiencing a vibrant upswing, driven by its diverse and accessible courses that cater to both local enthusiasts and international tourists. With approximately 420 golf courses nationwide, the country ranks among the top 20 globally in terms of golfing facilities. This expansive infrastructure not only showcases South Africa’s commitment to the sport but also significantly bolsters its economy. Notably, the golfing sector contributes around R49 billion annually, accounting for roughly 4% of the nation’s GDP, and provides employment to approximately 40,000 individuals.

A unique blend of nature, wildlife, hospitality, and sporting facility excellence has positioned the country as a compelling destination for golf tourism. Recognising this potential, industry stakeholders have intensified efforts to promote South Africa’s golfing assets on the global stage. Initiatives led by associations like the Southern Africa Tourism Association (SATSA) aim to elevate golf tourism by participating in international events and hosting familiarisation trips for global tour operators. Such endeavours are poised to enhance awareness and attract a growing number of golf tourists, further cementing South Africa’s status as a premier golfing destination. 

But on the ground, keeping the fairways and greens pristine is no easy feat. The primary concern is the weather. South Africa is described as having a patchwork climate with a mix of warm coastal subtropics, hot deserts, humid highlands, snow-topped mountains and an enclave of Mediterranean weather in the southwest. To manage grass perfection all over the country is a challenge. This is where Golf Data comes in, a design, construction, and maintenance company dedicated to the golf industry and with a rich heritage across South Africa.

“We are the premier golf course and landscaping service provider in Southern Africa supplying everything from design, construction through to maintenance. We have been in the industry for 30 years with design, construction, and renovations on over 35 golf courses. We are known in the region as the go-to brand for world class golf and landscaping requirements,” the company explains of its central focus.

PROMINENT PORTFOLIO

Testament to the ability of Golf Data, many of the country’s premier courses are either designed and built or managed by the company. The major course design firms – including those of Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els – trust Golf Data to deliver. Durban Country Club, Leopard Creek, St Francis Links, Pearl Valley, Glendower, Dainfern, Steyn City, Zimbali – all recognised regularly as among the best in the country, continent, and world – sit within the Golf Data portfolio. 

“With a heritage of over 30 years in the golf and landscaping industry, Golf Data has become an industry leader backed by a wealth of experience, skilled expertise, and strong references. We focus on creating and nurturing relationships to ensure we always deliver quality-based projects. We take pride in our brand, as well as the brands we associate with and strive to constantly improve our image. Golf Data offers a wide range of services, which means we are positioned to reduce your risk and act as a single point of contact to meet all your green area needs,” the company explains.

After starting out as a very small, single project business, servicing the Sabi Golf Club in 1989, Golf Data immediately began to grow its reputation. Robert Douglas Marshall (Robbie) was at the helm after starting up Lawn Doctor in 1981. He saw the opportunity in golf, and was able to build the trust of a number of key clients. From Sabi, the company moved to Glendower and then Parkview, renovating courses to the delight of owners and players. After years of success, current MD Gary Waage joined the business and helped to continue impressive growth on par with the early days under Marshall. 

Waage’s goal is to continue claiming awards that Golf Data is known for while also expanding into new territories. “We are trying to expand overseas and pick up work in Europe and elsewhere,” explains Waage. “We are busy tendering and we are interested in getting our name out there. Golf Data’s aim is to be the very best at what we do, and in that process create long-lasting relationships with our business partners,” he told Enterprise Africa. 

The business can only do this by delivering quality from one project to the next. Thankfully, the company is home to African professionals who know exactly how to deliver from initial greenfield concept and design through the entire process until the first tee is pushed into the tee box on hole one. 

“Golf Data has been entrusted with the design and re-design of many of South Africa’s best golf courses. Having an internal design department consisting of four highly qualified Landscape Architects, enables us to work closer with and interpret other designers’ drawings better to ensure the designs are properly constructed. It also enables us to suggest ways of reducing construction costs to our clients,” the company explains. 

PROLIFIC PARTNERSHIPS

“Golf Data has been involved in the construction of golf courses for some of the most prolific designers and shapers in the industry both at home in South Africa and in the US, gaining experience for various companies. We are able to project manage and construct anything related to golf and landscaping, from bulk earthworks to fine-detail hard and soft landscaping,” the company says. 

One organisation to utilise this deep skillset is world-famous Nicklaus Design. Widely recognised as the world leader in golf course design, when working in South Africa, Golf Data is the chosen partner. St Francis Links, Pearl Valley, Pecanwood, and Steyn City are all Jack Nicklaus designed courses, known for being challenging and well-integrated with the natural environment, and all cared for by Golf Data.

“We pride ourselves in having one of the most experienced maintenance divisions in South Africa. We have worked closely over the past 30 years to develop and perfect a highly effective golf course and estate maintenance model. This entails working with our clients to offer exceptional value for money, while simultaneously creating sustainable environments to be enjoyed for years to come,” the company says.   

Currently, the company is celebrating the success at Zimbali Lakes, where a golf resort was installed as part of a large mixed-use development north of Durban. Similar to Steyn City – a major mixed-use development in Midrand where Nicklaus Design partnered with Golf Data – the site was bustling with activity and the end result is something to be proud of. Opening very soon, this time with Ernie Els Design as the partner. Els was onsite in April 2024 to inspect progress where he plans to not only create the first EPGA Golf Academy in Africa, but where he also plans to open a signature The Big Easy Bar & Grill and build his own family home. 

The painstaking process in KZN began with site removal, where all soil was saved for filling and topping further in the timeline. All original topsoil was stripped to allow for a blank canvas on what is undulating topography. Next was the major earthworks and importing of any materials required to build up the site. Hole number 18 was particularly heavy with the addition of 55,000m³ of fresh material to match course design. After this, shaping was required where GPS is used to match the land to the design before the installation of drainage and irrigation. Topsoil is then re-applied and shaped, with about 300mm of new surface being laid. Finally, seeding takes place with the finest seeds available sourced from Agricol, and Golf Data manages the process from start to finish. As the course comes to life, a maintenance programme begins to ensure everything is ready for the first drive.

At the same time, the company was busy with a major overhaul at Durban Country Club, which closed for seven months for a rejuvenation and replenishment after the flooding in April 2022. Golf Data was keen to respect the historic course while adding improvements including the construction of a large irrigation dam between the par-3 15th and halfway house. Other holes gained length, with irrigation being a key consideration. The Club hosted the Investec SA Open Championship at the end of February 2025, celebrating its new lease of life with significant fanfare.

Clearly, Golf Data is an industry leader with a bright future. The company’s brand is elevated by its ability to continually deliver quality for clients, and this is proven at the World Golf Awards 2025 where several Golf Data courses are up for the Best in South Africa. Country Club Johannesburg (Woodmead), De Zalze, Durban Country Club, Glendower, Humewood, Leopard Creek, Oubaai, Pearl Valley, Pezula, Randpark, Royal Johannesburg (East), St Francis Links, and Steyn City will all look to be crowned best in SA against tough competition. However, each has the best chance thanks to the love, care, and experience that Golf Data has put into each.