The Golf Wise Programme began two years ago and we are currently in our third year in operating this programme. The concept was simple. Teach offenders in prison to not only work on a golf course, but also give them an insight into the many things that make golf the greatest game of all. The idea was that once they were released we would assist them in finding employment in the golf industry thereby increasing their chances of becoming law-abiding citizens.

The programme at Glencoe Correctional Centre in Kwa-Zulu Natal and we currently have two ex-offenders working in the industry. One is at Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay and the other is working on the construction of Dunblane in Newcastle. According to their employers, both are doing extremely well.

The PGA of South Africa has agreed to develop the Programme partnered with Dale Hayes Golf Events and the Greenkeeper’s Association of South Africa and will also continue to receive the backing of the Club Management Association of South Africa. Minister of Correctional Services, Ngconde Balfour has endorsed the programme and to show their enthusiasm, the Department of Correctional Services has agreed to assist us financially this year.

This year we have expanded into Leeuwkop Correctional Centre in addition to Glencoe and have 20 new recruits for the programme across the two facilities. There are an additional 10 offenders awaiting release that will be carried over from the previous two years, who will continue to work on Glencoe’s golf course.

Your acknowledgement and support towards the PGA of South Africa and Glencoe Correctional Centre will highly be appreciated .

We look forward to having you join us at the event.