Bryanston Country Club’s very own Leigh-Jane Middleton recently made history at the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of South Africa as its first female vice chairperson.
Middleton has been part of the PGA for 18 years, a majority of which has been spent at the Bryanston club’s academy as the head PGA teaching professional. She also took a lead role in the association’s Women in Golf taskforce, aimed at reflecting the Royal and Ancient’s Women in Golf Charter and its drive for greater female representation in the game.
According to Louis Destroo, PGA SA chairperson, Middleton was the obvious candidate for this historic appointment as vice chairperson. “[The PGA has] heavily focused on a path towards greater diversity and inclusivity and Leigh-Jane has walked this journey with us as a member of our board of directors.
“[She] has that valuable quality of being able to manage emotions and expectations, which is key for any membership association. She is has a calm way of leading and her fellow members and the golf community hold her in high regards.”
Middleton hopes that with her journey and new appointment, she is able to further grow the game amongst women. “Golf has traditionally been a male-dominated environment but this is changing and there are now equal opportunities in the game for women.”
She added that she is excited about being able to represent this change in the industry. “I think we have so many top women golfers who maybe can’t see a place for themselves on the tours and then think that’s where their journey in golf ends. We want them to realise the incredible opportunities there are within the PGA of South African and a career in the golf industry.”
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