Business:Management
In this episode, I got to chat with Robbie Marshall, Chairman of Golf Data.
A man of humble beginnings, Robbie takes us on a fascinating journey of how Golf Data, South Africa’s most successful course design business became the force it is today as well as befriending Jack Nicklaus and others along the way. We also delve into the partnership between Golf Data and Pearl Valley.
A special thanks to Damian Wrigley, General Manager of Pearl Valley at Val de Vie for setting up this interview.
Background to Robbie Marshall.
ROBBIE MARSHALL – CHAIRMAN (GOLF DATA) LOVE OF THE GAME- Robbie Marshall’s love for golf only started after his best friend from his service in the army (Robbie Chapman) introduced him to the game, yet although he had a late start to the game Robbie went on to play 1st League Golf in Johannesburg for 15 years, and during that time Robbie had the fortune to play with the likes of Bobby Locke at Ohenimuri & Gary Player at Crown Mines courses.
- Robbie has also played in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am with the US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, and with Ernie Els at the SA Open Pro Am, as well as at the opening of the Ernie Els Design course Oubaai which Golf Data Constructed
- Robert Douglas Marshall (“Robbie”) has been involved in the business of golf courses for more than 40 years having been the course superintendent at Ohenimuri Country Club & Crown Mines Golf Club from 1970. Robbie, together with his wife Marie then started a close corporation called Lawn Doctor in 1981, and ultimately Golf Data CC was formed in 1989.
Robbie’s early education in turf management started around 1980 when he was selected to attend a turf study course of America, visiting the Texas A&M University. Although already well versed in turf management, this was Robbie’s first formal education in turf studies. A few short years later Robbie was chosen to visit the Toro equipment factory (again in the USA) and there he attended further Turf Study Courses.
Early in 1995 Robbie visited Augusta National for the Masters (which was ultimately won by Ben Crenshaw) to sign an agreement to represent Jack Nicklaus & Nicklaus Design. This was the start of an enduring friendship between Jack & Robbie that continues to this day.
The letter (below) sent to Robbie by Jack after one of his earlier visits to South Africa was one of many that expressed much the same sentiment, namely that Jack held Robbie in high regard for his quality of work, and as a friend.
In the year 2000 Robbie visited England & Scotland with a team of certified USA Golf Course Architects in order to study and debate the architectural design principles of Links versus Parkland courses. Again in 2005 with a similar contingent of professionals in the golf course industry, Robbie played 7 British Open course venues including St Andrews Royal, St Georges Royal, Birkdale Royal, Carnoustie & Muirfield Golf Links, again with a view to understanding the game’s heritage design & design philosophy.
In 2005 Robbie was invited by Jack Nicklaus to attend his final professional round at St Andrews “Old Course” where Jack & Tom Watson stopped during their initial round to greet Robbie & his wife (Marie) on the 11th tee (pictured here);
Robbie & Marie also received personal invites to be the guests of the Jack Nicklaus at the Celebratory dinner marking the end of the professional career of golf’s greatest ever player (Pictured here).
Robbie was named as being one of the 10 most influential people in Golf in South Africa by Compleat Golfer (one of South Africa’s top 2 premier Golf Publications) in 2007 & later that same year he was awarded Compleat Golfer’s most prestigious award, the “Lifetime Contribution to Golf Award” for his “outstanding contribution to Golf in SA”. Robbie’s good friend, the great legend Mr Jack Nicklaus himself recorded a special video tribute to Robbie for the event which was played on announcing Robbie’s award, and he had the following to say about Robbie;
“Robbie Marshall… lifetime achievement award[!]… couldn’t go to a better person my friend! …You are responsible for the Nicklaus organisation and me being involved in South Africa on so many golf courses… Your attention to detail, in making sure the project is completed, in making sure the quality is great, and making sure that what is right for golf the game of golf in SA is being done! …your contribution to golf has been special, and of course the friendship that Barbara and I have had with you [and your family] has been special & we value our friendship and the work we have done together…”
Robbie is not a man to boast about his achievements, and less so about his friendships with exceptional people such as Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Els to name a few, but beyond all the awards and top ranked courses that Robbie has been instrumental in bringing to life in South Africa, the fact that a great legend, and a man known throughout the world for his perfectionism trusts his brand and reputation in course construction exclusively with Robbie and his company in Southern Africa speaks far more of Robbie’s abilities, knowledge and perfectionism in the ‘game’ of golf course construction and maintenance than any award!
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