South African Open host Blair Atholl, ranked No 6 in the Top 100, has received the 2023 John Collier Top Club Award. And a Special Mention Award from John Collier goes to another Top 10 course, Elements Private Reserve.
The John Collier Top Club, now in its 16th year, is awarded for outstanding levels of details and standards in terms of good governance and environmental compliance.
“Where Blair Atholl did so well in its survey was in responsible use and protection of the natural environment and landscape around its property,” commented Alistair Collier, who launched these awards in 2007. The first winner, Benoni Country Club, was announced in 2008.
“The estate and golf club has an ethos of environmental stewardship of the land, water, river, fauna and flora. Blair Atholl conserves natural resources, combats pollution and protects biodiversity.
“Winning a Top Club award is only achieved with the support of committed and passionate people, who wholly embrace the benefits of good governance and environmental compliance. Blair Atholl have set a benchmark that many clubs in South Africa should want to emulate.”
Praise for the winning of the award went to Blair Atholl golf director Paul Marks, course superintendent Jan Hendrik Duvenage, general manager Steve van Greunen, and Blair Atholl HOA chairperson Cindy Page.
Blair Atholl is the sixth Gauteng club to win the Top Club award, and the first Gauteng golf estate to do so.
Previous Top Club winners have been Sabi River Sun (2022, Leopard Creek (2021, 2012 and 2010), St Francis Links (2020), Umhlali (2019 and 2016), Kingswood (2018), Bryanston (2017), Paarl (2015), Pretoria CC (2014), Metropolitan (2013), Kyalami (2011), Randpark (2009) and Benoni CC (2008).