KNOW YOUR GOLF CLUB’S GENERAL MANAGER

Henk Buitendach – General Manager Elements Private Golf Reserve

With more than two decades of experience and a passion deeply rooted in both turf management and people, Henk Buitendach, General Manager of Elements Private Golf Reserve (EPGR), is more than just the operational head of one of South Africa’s premier golf destinations—he is its heartbeat. We sat down with Henk to learn more about his journey, philosophy, and vision for the club.

How long have you been in the golf industry, and what drew you to it?

I’ve been in the golf industry for 20 years. It all started quite unexpectedly. After school, I went to Scotland and worked at a hotel with a 9-hole golf course. I naturally gravitated towards the golf course and spent my off time helping the greenkeeper— cutting greens, moving holes, and just absorbing everything. When I returned to South Africa, I discovered my brother was working in greenkeeping at Woodhill Country Club. I spent some time there and knew without a doubt—this was the career path for me.

Has it always been golf for you?

Not at all. I never imagined, growing up, that golf would play such a central role in my life. But as they say, God works in mysterious ways. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of what I believe is the greatest sporting industry in the world.

You have a strong background in turf management. How does that benefit your role as GM?

Understanding every layer of the course and how it functions gives me a significant edge when it comes to budgeting, project planning, and ensuring quality control

That’s a great question. Everyone wears many hats in this role, but for me, agronomy has always been the standout. At the end of the day, our members and guests aren’t visiting for the chicken burger—they’re here for a golfing experience. Understanding every layer of the course and how it functions gives me a significant edge when it comes to budgeting, project planning, and ensuring quality control.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

I’d say two people: Danny Maritz from Turf Worx at Pezula, and my good friend Hans Jonck at my home club. They’ve both been incredible mentors in different ways.

What does a typical day at Elements look like for you?

Coffee comes first, always! I meet with the line managers to review the previous day’s work and map out the day ahead. Then I spend some time on administrative tasks before doing a drive-through inspection of the course. I also visit our farm areas to check on flora and fauna and oversee building projects. The day usually wraps up back at the office behind the laptop.

What are your biggest challenges at EPGR right now?

We market Elements as a destination—a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience—and that takes creative, national outreach

Location plays a big role. We’re surrounded by farms, not typical golfing communities, so attracting regular foot traffic is tough. We market Elements as a destination—a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience—and that takes creative, national outreach. Water scarcity is also a concern. Managing and securing water resources is a constant priority. And then, of course, there’s the 15km dirt road leading to the club. It’s generally in good condition, but heavy rain can make it difficult.

Have you seen growth in golf over the past few years?

Absolutely. Despite a slight dip in the last financial year—largely due to extreme rainfall—interest in golf is strong. For perspective, we had 480mm of rain in 2023/2024, and 980mm in 2024/2025. That amount of rain can impact playability. However, clubs have become more sustainable by diversifying and launching initiatives that attract new golfers, which is encouraging.

With tighter consumer spending, how do you plan to attract more people to EPGR?

The key is diversification. You have to understand your market and offer value beyond the golf course. Not everyone plays golf, so we must provide alternative experiences—whether that’s through accommodation, nature activities, or wellness facilities—ensuring there’s something for everyone.

“The member is always right.” Do you agree with that phrase?

Clear policies, proper governance, and a well-communicated code of conduct can prevent most conflicts before they arise

Not entirely. While we aim to meet and exceed member expectations, the reality is that we sometimes need to bite our tongue. Clear policies, proper governance, and a well-communicated code of conduct can prevent most conflicts before they arise. It’s all about mutual respect and transparency.

Your position likely demands long hours, including weekends and holidays. How does that affect your personal life?

It’s definitely part of the job. Weekends and holidays are peak times, so presence is essential. That said, how this impacts your personal life comes down to how you manage your time. I make a point of taking well-planned time off and making the most of it when I do.

What are your short-term and long-term goals for the club?

In the short term, we’ve launched Padel tennis—yes, right here in the bushveld—which has been an incredible success. We’re also looking at course renovations and kitchen upgrades. Long-term, we aim to expand the clubhouse, develop more properties on the farm, and ultimately return Elements to the Top 10 golf courses in South Africa.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m big into triathlons, mountain biking, scuba diving, hiking, and camping. And, of course, spending quality time with family and friends is a priority.

Do you still get time to play golf?

The members certainly make sure I do! I manage to play about two to three times a month. It’s a fantastic way to build relationships with homeowners and members—and I genuinely enjoy being out on the course.