On Friday the 8th of April 2016, the par 3 Challenge will be upon us and what better way to meet Serengeti Golf Director, Pierre van Vuuren, than out on the course?
Pierre will be meeting and greeting all players on the day. He advises all players to “get ready for the Golf Directors ‘nearest to the pin’ challenge.” All Members who hit closer to the pin than Pierre, will go into a lucky draw to win an amazing Golf Directors Prize.
Before you meet Pierre face – to – face, we sat down with the Serengeti Golf Club Golf Director for a ‘warm up’ interview.
Pierre van Vuuren is 32 years’ old and grew up in a little town called Barberton in the Lowveld
After School, Pierre attended the Golf Academy at Damelin where he completed his PGA studies while working at Zwartkop Country Club. He then spent three years working at two Private facilities in the US called Westchester Hills in New York and The Polo Club of Boca Raton in Florida.
After moving here from Stellenbosch, Gauteng has provided Pierre and Xenia (wife) with a fresh start as a married couple and has definitely opened up a lot of new experiences and challenges for them.
What do you think your 2 strengths are as a Director of Golf?
I am very passionate about what I do and about the experience that we offer here at Serengeti. I also bring with me, a lot of experience from some of the best private facilities in the world. I am looking forward to implementing those experiences here at Serengeti so that we continue to provide something extra special here.
Are you a risk taker?
Yes – I took a risk at a young age to go the USA to pursue my lifelong dream of being involved in the golf industry.
What is your favourite food?
Anything on the braai and Xenia`s broccoli salad is great!
What is your Favourite Movie?
The Shawshank Redemption
Favourite Sporting teams?
Manchester United and the Blue Bulls.
How do you consistently deliver a high level of service to club members in every area of your operations?
I ensure that our staff members are well trained. Every individual plays such an important role to ensure that all of our members and visitors have a memorable experience.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of golfing?
I love to run. I have completed a few marathons and half marathons. I also play indoor cricket, enjoy reading and my PlayStation is also a big favourite.
Describe to us, what is in your golf bag right now?
I have a Titleist 910 D2 Driver, Cleveland 3 wood, Hogan Hybrid, Mizuno MP 62 irons, Cleveland CG15 wedges and a limited edition Newport 1.5 Scotty Cameron Putter.
What is your favourite club in your bag?
My favourite club in my bag is my 3 wood. It has been very good to me and behaves most of the time.
What is the best score you ever shot and where was it?
I shot two 65`s – One at Pearl Valley and the other at Randfontein Golf Club as a Junior.
Have you ever got a hole in one?
Yes I have, at Kempton Parks 9th Hole (7 Iron).
What is your favourite Course that you have played?
TPC Sawgrass in Florida.
How old where you when you started playing golf?
I was 13 years old.
Who is your favourite Golfer?
Ernie Els is my golfing Idol.
What is your Favourite hole on the Serengeti Golf Course?
The 6th Hole – Two well struck shots will reward you on that hole. Anything else will result in bogey or more.
We are thrilled to have Pierre on board and we can’t wait to see all of the great things that will unfold in his future.