Meet Kyalami Country Club’s general manager, Fonzi Jardim

Kyalami Country Club’s general manager may currently be facing the greatest challenge in his career, but he still has long-term goals to improve the club further.

Fonzi Jardim has a modest but respectable handicap of six and considers himself a social golfer, but two years into his job as head of the club, and the coronavirus arrived.

“We have plans for the club but all of that has been put on hold until we deal with the effects after the lockdown,” he said behind a face mask.

“We have taken a financial knock from the lockdown, who hasn’t? But we did not have to make any retrenchments and we are seeing more players coming through now.”

Jardim may only be two years into his post but he worked as assistant manager for six months before this, learning to do everything that is required of a general manager.

He explained that this entails much of the planning and organisation around golf days, catering and other activities of the the country club.

Before Jardim was assistant manager, he worked at the pro shop and has been with the club for over two decades.

“I live on the property and this is all my garden. It is beautiful,” he added.

“The best part of my job is interacting with members and guests. I like to look after people who visit us, and provide a service for them.”

Jardim hopes to one day see more families make use of the country club.

“I hope to make the club more family-oriented. We have coaching and night runs that get youngsters and families involved but we also want a play area for the children and get them more active in the sport.”