Franco Botha, Director of Golf at one of the biggest golfing venues in the Middle East, Jumeirah Golf Estates, talks about his time at the facility in the last 24 months and preparing it for the DP World Tour Championship.
Jumeirah Golf Estates received several awards at the inaugural 59club Global Awards. What do you see as the key operational strengths that enabled the club to achieve this recognition?
I’m extremely proud to be recognised as the Golf Operations Manager of the Year at the inaugural 59club Global Awards – an honour that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding team at Jumeirah Golf Estates. This award came off the back of retaining the Golf Operations Team of the Year accolade for 2023 and 2024, and receiving the Ultimate Service Excellence Award earlier in the year during the Annual[AH1] 59club Awards for Middle East and North Africa.
While consistency is at the heart of everything we do, what truly distinguishes our team is an unwavering commitment to raising the bar at every opportunity.
One of our key operational strengths is agility – the ability to adapt quickly and effectively in a fast-paced environment. It’s this adaptability that allows us to deliver unparalleled and memorable experiences for our members and guests.
This recognition isn’t something I can take personal credit for; rather, it reflects the culture that’s been cultivated across the club over the past five-to-seven years. It’s a culture rooted in unity, high standards, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We operate as one team, constantly pushing ourselves to improve on yesterday’s results.
No matter how much planning goes into each day, the nature of our work means that challenges will always arise. What defines us is how the team comes together and consistently rises to meet those challenges. This award is a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment – day in and day out.
It’s also a proud moment to see Jumeirah Golf Estates recognised alongside Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Resort, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Yas Links Abu Dhabi within the 59club Signature Collection – a reflection of the collective excellence across our network of Dubai Golf and Viya Golf managed clubs in the region.
Special congratulations as well to Matt Perry from Emirates Golf Club, who has been added to the prestigious Eminent Collection – a well-deserved honour and a testament to his leadership and impact on the industry.
Credit also goes to Mark Bull, General Manager of 59club MEA, for ensuring we receive the maximum benefit from the valuable data captured through 59club.
Running two championship courses is no small task. What aspects of golf operations at Jumeirah Golf Estates are you most proud of improving or leading in recent years?
As we all know, most people are naturally resistant to change. Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to work at several facilities across the Middle East, each presenting their own unique challenges and opportunities. Jumeirah Golf Estates already had a strong foundation in place, so it didn’t require extensive change.
Perhaps my greatest challenge – and achievement – has been leading positive, thoughtful change while safeguarding the club’s established culture. Maintaining the team’s trust and support, while making subtle yet meaningful adjustments, has been particularly rewarding.
Being results-driven, it’s encouraging to reflect on the progress we’ve made over the past 12-24 months and to celebrate the many small wins along the way. There is still a long road ahead, filled with exciting opportunities, but with such a fantastic team in place, I’m genuinely excited to see what the future holds for Jumeirah Golf Estates and its members.
Preparing the Earth Course for the DP World Tour Championship is also a major responsibility. How do you and the wider team at Jumeirah Golf Estates approach both the course preparation and the management of golf operations during one of the most important events on the global calendar?
Full credit must go to Golf Course Superintendent, Stuart Horwood, and his team for the exceptional playing surfaces they consistently produce in the build-up to the DP World Tour Championship. Much of the course preparation has already begun, with the DP World Tour team commencing the build just over two weeks ago.
The week of the event is undoubtedly one of the greatest rewards for anyone working in the golf industry. From an operations perspective, however, our primary focus leading into the Championship is managing member expectations and ensuring minimal disruption amidst such an extensive build.
We work closely with the Tour team and are genuinely excited about this year’s Championship, especially with a team that has experience hosting more than one DP World Tour event. During the week itself, we have several key responsibilities, and while we look forward to and thoroughly enjoy the event, it is the week following the Championship that truly tests and reveals the strength and resilience of our team.
I’m extremely proud to lead such a dedicated group and thrilled to be showcasing Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai on a global stage yet again this season.
As Director of Golf, how do you see your role in shaping both the performance of your team and the overall experience of members and guests at Jumeirah Golf Estates?
I am very fortunate to work with such a talented team who give me the freedom to think ambitiously. Without the right structure, it would be impossible to strategise effectively, yet having a team that can deliver on those strategies is an even greater reward. We genuinely enjoy what we do and feel equally privileged to serve an outstanding membership at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Working together towards a shared goal is central to achieving service excellence and consistently exceeding expectations.
Reflection is also key to our approach. While we are motivated to achieve great things, this is only possible when progress is carefully measured. We foster open communication and set clear objectives that guide us on our journey of continuous improvement.
You’ve held senior roles at multiple world-class venues, including Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, before joining Jumeirah Golf Estates. How have those experiences prepared you for leading one of the most prestigious golf operations in the Middle East?
My career in golf began in 2010 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, which proved to be an invaluable stepping stone as a young, aspiring PGA Trainee. Over time, staying in the Middle East became increasingly appealing, given the opportunities and growth within the region.
When I was first asked, at just 20 years old, where I saw myself in one, three, or five years, I genuinely had no clear answer. However, through the years, I’ve been fortunate to work at some outstanding facilities across the region and have been privileged to learn from exceptional leaders in the industry. The environment here is extremely fast-paced, and the knowledge I’ve gained from those around me has been instrumental to my development. I remain profoundly grateful for the time and mentorship they have invested in me, as well as the opportunities afforded to me along the way.
I’m sure many professionals in this industry can relate to having great mentors who help shape their careers. Recently, attending the 59club Global Awards gave me the chance to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, celebrating both the highs and lows experienced over the years. I am incredibly grateful for the network I’ve built and the opportunities I’ve been privileged to receive throughout the past 15 years.
