SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Golfing and Golf Coaching 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73189  Further Education and Training Certificate: Golfing and Golf Coaching 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CATHSSETA - Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  160  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Purpose of the NQF Level 4 in the National Certificate Golfing and Golf Coaching Qualification is to provide a structured programme for those who, while they may not aspire to become golfing professionals, work or wish to work in the golfing sector or industry as support or administrative staff, or those involved in golf development including the coaching of children in urban and rural context.

Those working in the golfing sector or industry, include but are not limited to, persons working within or supporting golf club greenkeeping and course upkeep functions, assisting in golf retail operations, assisting in golf event management, working in a support or administrative function within the golf leisure industry in which it is important to understand the industry and its golfing ethos, working in some function with the golf club facilities and their operations, and persons in the sport coaching environment who are involved in coaching children or are involved in golf development.

The National Certificate is aimed at those who aspire to work in the golfing and sporting sectors. It is a Qualification in the career pathway for golf and golfing and will serve as a bridge for those wishing to proceed to the qualification for Club Professional Golfing, Management, Horticulture, and Sport Coaching.

The Qualification will therefore enhance the ability of the qualifying learner as an aspiring golfing employee in the golf and golfing sectors to perform the necessary work expected, as well as improve his/her management abilities. In this way, the Qualification enhances transferability of skills within different spheres of the sport sector. At the same time, a learner will gain a firm foundation required for a career in Golfing.

Qualifying learners could follow a career in the following sectors in the golf environment:
  • Assisting in the planning and operations of a golf club facility.
  • Assisting in the greenkeeping and course maintenance operations of golf clubs.
  • Golf coaching and training for beginners including children and in golf development.
  • Greenkeeping.
  • Facilities management.
  • Event management.
  • Rules and tournament management.

    Rationale:

    Persons wishing to work in the golf and golf environments in South Africa operate in a wide variety of social, business and community roles within South African society. Often they work in diverse operating and service delivery environments and contexts including golf training, coaching, golf business in regard to retail, and club and event management, and in schools or golfing development where the basics of golf and golf coaching is required.

    The game of golf is a large sport discipline and industry sector and employs a vast number of persons in a large number of functions and capacities. This Qualification serves both the industry and those seeking to work in it by creating specific skills set for learners to understand and be aware of the unique characteristics and challenges they face in the process of service delivery and support functions in gold and golfing.

    The sustainability and development of sport in South Africa in general, and specifically of golf and the golfing industry, are strongly linked to capacity building in this sports segment. It is imperative that golf professionals at club level, those planning and operating golf club facilities, those maintaining golf courses and greenkeeping functions are able to employ staff who have background knowledge of various functions needed in the industry. Learners completing this Qualification will become part of the pool of skilled support staff with the relevant administration, coaching, training and golfing knowledge, values and attitudes skills which persons working in the sector requires.

    The exit level learning outcomes highlight the coaching, training and golfing skills required within the golfing sports sector. Such skills are geared towards enabling persons wishing to become golfing professionals to operate effectively and successfully in a demanding environment.

    The skills, knowledge, values and attitudes reflected in the Qualification are building blocks that will be developed further in Qualifications at higher levels.

    The Further Education and Training Certificate: Golfing and Golf Coaching should produce knowledgeable, multi-skilled workers who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the golfing sport sector. It should provide the means for current workers to receive recognition of prior learning, to upgrade their skills and achieve a nationally recognised Qualification. It should also assist new entrants to the sporting and golfing sector.

    It will ensure that the quality of education and training in the golfing and sporting sector is enhanced and of a world-class standard. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners accessing this Qualification are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at the NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this Unit Standard based Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Recognition of Prior Learning will be awarded through evedince provided of competency in one or more of the outcome indicated in the Qualification. The awarding of RPL is at the discretion of the provider and in agreement with the relevant ETQA.

    All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    Access to the Qualification:

    All learners accessing this Qualification must meet the requirements of the professional Golfers Association (PGA). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    NQF Level, Credits and Learning components assigned to the Qualification.

    The Qualification is made up of Fundamental, Core and Elective components. A minimum of 160 Credits is required to complete the Qualification.
  • The Fundamental component comprises 56 credits and is compulsory.
  • The Core component comprises 90 Credits and is compulsory.
  • A minimum of 14 Credits are required in the elective component for the learner to be awarded the Qualification

    Motivation for number of Credits assigned to Fundamental, Core and Elective.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

    All the Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 90 Credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 41 Credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 14 Credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate and apply golf techniques and rules for coaching of basic golf strokes.

    2. Apply basic business principles to managing or assisting in managing a golfing facility and golf events.

    3. Assist in greenkeeping and golf course maintenance.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of golf and golfing in relation to own career plans and development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 A brief overview is provided on the game of golf and how it applies in a development and golfing coaching context.
    1.2 Basic putting, chipping and pitching techniques are demonstrated to indicate understanding of the various techniques for coaching purposes.
    1.3 Scoring systems are explained with examples.
    1.4 Knowledge on golf coaching conduct and safety is demostrated particularly in contexts for coaching children.
    1.5 A structured approach to skills development in golf coaching is explained with examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Basic business and budgeting principles are applied in a golfing context.
    2.2 The history and development of golf facilities is explained in relation to their various management requirements.
    2.3 A knowledge of typical types of club facilities is demonstrated in relation to their functions.
    2.4 Assistance is provided in the planning, co-ordination, administering and monitoring of a golf club facility.
    2.5 A golf event is planned, budgeted and managed from concept to completion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Knowledge of mowers and grass cutting is applied in golf course maintenance.
    3.2 Knowledge of maintenance requirements is displayed in golf course areas.
    3.3 Appropriate cultural practices are integrated in greenkeeping and related functions.
    3.4 An understanding of golf course bunkers and their maintenance is demonstrated with examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 A holistic understanding of golf and golfing is demonstrated in own working context.
    4.2 Personal and career development goals are defined within a golfing or golfing development environment.

    Integrated Assessment:

    A variety of methods are recommended for use in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During Integrated Assessments the assessor should make use of Formative and Summative Assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and Moderators should make use of a range of Formative and Summative Assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all Specific Outcomes, Embedded Knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of Specific Outcomes and Embedded Knowledge. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    America:

    Internationally the sport of golf is governed and administered according to the rules of the American Professional Golfers Association in the United States of America and in the rest of the world by local professional golfers associations that follow the rules of the professional golfers association of the United Kingdom and Ireland. In South Africa golfing is regulated and administered, following the UK model by the South African Professional Golfers Association.

    The differences between golf administration and training in the United States and the rest of the world, which follow the UK and Ireland system, is not vast.

    United Kingdom:

    Ireland:

    Both groups of international PGAs provide academic and practical training to golfers within a learning pathway that leads learners to becoming a club professional. The PGAs in most golf playing countries, either themselves or in association with a tertiary institution offer a professional Qualification for prospective club professionals.

    This Level 4 National Certificate is intended to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for persons who are working in or wish to work in the golfing sector. This Certificate at Level 4 naturally leads into the Level 5 National Diploma: Club Professional Golfing and the skill set it teaches are at once more practical for direct employment purposes as well a supplementary and complementary to the Diploma Qualification.

    It is difficult to do a direct comparison for the Level 4 Certificate in that South Africa is considered, outside of the club professional environment, to be a developing country, and to a large extent, is pioneering bridging programmes and Qualifications for golfing at lower levels to ensure entry into the golfing club professional environment. We have a greater focus on the need to coach in communities, at schools and in informal sectors. Hence, the advent of this Qualification, and also a need to look at alternative Qualifications in the future to bring learners from the informal sector and rural areas into mainstream golfing, thus creating access and opportunities in establishing golfing careers.

    South Africa and African countries:

    It should be noted that the PGA South Africa is pioneering the formal development of programmes in golfing based on English and American standards for third world and developing countries. In this regard, PGA South Africa is working closely with St Andrews to determine how to effectively address golfing in developing countries, with South Africa being the blueprint from which to replicate a development programme aligned to a national framework. Within South Africa, the PGA has recently conducted an impact study as to how golf impacts on the economy of the country. This impact study indicates how golf is an integral part of the economy and it would like to find ways to replicate this in a wider African context and create development and job opportunities via golf and golfing career pathways.

    The United Kingdom and Ireland:

    The PGA of the United Kingdom and Wales (after which this course has been modelled) provides their training as a BA Degree in Applied Golf Management Studies through the University of Birmingham.

    The UK Qualification is accordingly at a higher level than this Qualification. However subjects taught in both Qualifications cover similar topic areas and are in all other respects comparable.

    In the UK Qualification, across all three years of the degree, the learner covers modules in the areas of applied sports science, materials science and coaching theory. In the first year the learner covers a generic approach to sport and golf: sports science, equipment technology, coach education and business management. In the second and third years the learner covers more applied modules, including Golf Psychology, Swing Theory, Sports Science (Physiotherapy) and Event Management.

    This Qualification is generally set out in the same format as this South African one.

    The United States of America:

    In the USA various universities and colleges provide Qualifications in partnership with the American PGA.

    A typical, and representative example is Pen State University in Pennsylvania. Pen State integrates the PGA Golf Management Program into the university curriculum for students wishing to become professional golfers.

    The curriculum is at a Degree level which is higher than NQF Level 5 and includes subjects that are also comparable and consistent with the international position. The program includes courses on:

    Purchasing Materials, PGA Constitution, Career Enhancement, Introduction to Teaching, Food and Beverage, Golf Club Design and Repair, Business Planning and Operations, Customer of Relation, Analysis of the Swing, Golf Car Fleet Management, Business Planning, Golfer Development, Rules of Golf, Golf Club Design and Repair, Tournament Operations Analysis of the Swing, Turf grass Management, Merchandising and Inventory Management, Customer Relations Food and Beverage Control Business Communications Electives Philosophy and Swing Concepts of Teaching, Supervising and Delegating Supervising and Delegating Professional Golfers Association Membership Application.

    Canada:

    The Canadian PGA, which follows the UK model likewise partners with tertiary institutions to provide its learners with suitable Qualifications. Typical, and representative is the course presented by Holland College-Prince Edward Island in Canada. The program is a Diploma in Professional Golf Management and comprises the competencies; Scientific analysis of the golf swing, Golf strategies, Player development, Applied human anatomy and kinesiology, advanced business communications, Applied sport psychology for golf, Professional selling, Retail and Merchandise Management, Advanced Computer Software Applications, Accounting for Club Operations and Advertising.

    Australia and New Zealand:

    The Qualifications offered in these countries are not Unit Standard based However, the Qualification content is very similar to that being covered in the South African Qualification, including:
  • The golf swing.
  • Golf science.
  • Club design, construction and repair.
  • Retail theory specific to golf business.
  • Golf specific psychology.
  • Tournament promotion and management.

    This Qualification differs in that it also covers club design, construction and repair. However, in this regard, the South African golf profession would rather include this in another Qualification at NQF Level 6 as this is not the main focus of the Level 5 Diploma.

    Switzerland:

    The Swiss PGA themselves offer various courses for golf teaching and other disciplines. They also offer similar content to this Qualification, including:
  • Swing technology.
  • Practical teaching.
  • Rules of golf.
  • Green keeping.
  • Club fitting.
  • General golf knowledge.

    On the commercial side, the following is covered:
  • Bookkeeping.
  • Purchase and sales.
  • Accounting.
  • Stock-taking.
  • Taxes and insurance.
  • Correspondence.
  • Contracts administration.

    In conclusion, it can be stated that while the Qualifications that are offered to aspiring golf professionals in other countries tend to be at bachelors degree level, the programmes include the same competencies as those offered in this South African Qualification. It is also felt that in view of the South African situation that it is justifiable to have this Qualification as a Diploma at Level 5. This is in view of the complexity of learning in the Qualification and the profile of learner accessing the Qualification.

    Conclusion:

    The PGA South Africa is pioneering programmes and Qualifications for golfing in a wider context than that of club professionals. In this regard the international PGA is also looking to South Africa for ideas and advice on how to create opportunities in golfing for third world and developing countries. The PGA is currently in close liaison with St Andrews to seek their support in implementing coaching programmes and Qualifications that provide learners wishing to enter the field of golf in a coaching capacity or in a related field, e.g. greenkeeping, event management, facilities management etc. Also, there is a strong focus in looking at developing coaching programmes for learners in rural areas to bring learners, particularly children, into a stream to explore their golfing potential and grow their learning pathways accordingly.

    The Comparability with similar Qualifications are at a higher level of complexity and no other programmes are currently available on an equal level to this Qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 57712: Further Education and Training Certificate: Generic Management, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 64369: Further Education and Training Certificate: Sports Coaching, NQF Level 4.
  • Certificate: Sport Development, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 58163: Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Recreation, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 67697: Further Education and Training Certificate: Sport Administration, NQF Level 4.

    This Qualification articulates vertically with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 73209: National Diploma: Professional Golfing, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 67629: National Certificate: Coaching Science, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 67691: National Certificate Fitness, NQF Level 5
  • ID 67692: National Diploma: Coaching Science, NQF Level 5
  • ID 67691: National Diploma: Fitness, NQF Level 5
  • ID 65194: National Certificate; Management, NQF Level 5 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and Moderation of Assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external Moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years' practical, relevant occupational experience in Administration.
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To be in possession of a Qualification in Sports Administration, Administration or Management at NQF Level 5 or higher. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  336037  Assist in co-ordinating and managing golf club facilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Core  336035  Assist in the greenkeeping and golf course maintenance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  336034  Describe and demonstrate the technique for coaching basic golf strokes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  336036  Display an understanding of the competences required for golf coaching  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  242810  Manage Expenditure against a budget  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  243301  Manage safety and emergency incidences  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  336038  Plan and organise a golf day event  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  243954  Understand the need for cultural awareness in dealing with customers and colleagues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  120208  Apply the rules of golf in various contexts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  120211  Display a holistic understanding of golf and golfing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  120197  Plan and implement personal and career development goals within a golfing environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119466  Interpret a variety of literary texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  119471  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  243298  Apply administrative skills and knowledge in a sport organisation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  11 
    Elective  258719  Apply the principles of exercise training  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  117499  Demonstrate entrepreneurial competence  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  252510  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS, other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Tuberculosis (TB) for counselling purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  243293  Promote sport activity in a community  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  252177  Manage participants with disabilities in sport  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.