Mike Baylis: Living his passion for golf

The born and bred Zimbabwean, Mike Baylis, is not only an experienced golfer but also a coach with a passion for golf.
Since 1 September, he has been sharing his expertise as the golf director at Vaal de Grace Golf Estate, overseeing the golf course, clubhouse and golf shop.

“Golf is my life,” he admits, when sharing his plans to get more youngsters involved in the sport. He also wants more local involvement and to offer more events on the scenic course that Vaal de Grace boasts with.
Mike comes from the Royal Harare Golf Club, regarded as one of the best in Africa. There, he was the director of golf for 10 years.
He says it certainly can’t compare with the beauty that the Vaal de Grace course has to offer being on an island in the Vaal Rivier with its amazing birdlife.
The course has improved a lot over the past two years and events like the Friday Club Competition every Friday around 12:30, has become tradition, as well as the very popular meat competition every first Wednesday of the month.
Course maintenance is always a challenge, keeping your eye on machinery, irrigation etc. for the sensitive greens.
Mike takes pride in his hands-on approach to seeing that the course is neat and well-maintained at all times.
He got his PGA Diploma in Great Britain and Ireland and is a member of both the SA PGA and Zimbabwean PGA.
He played the Sunshine Tour in 1994/95 after turning professional, and again in 2001/2002.
He was appointed the national coach of Malawi from 2003 till 2007, travelling to numerous inter- national events, before moving to Royal Harare.
Other highlights in his career include coaching the Zimbabwean National Men’s team, being contracted as Zambian National Junior Coach for the 2002 All Africa Junior Team Championships, and being one of the four teaching pro’s under the renowned coach, Alan Bridge, club professional at Dibden Golf Centre in Hampshire, England.
In January 2014 he founded the Baylis Golf Academy.
Mike is married to Tanya and the couple has two children, Brooke (8) and Liam (2).