Swingtime Mauritius 12th issue

SEPTEMBER ISSUE

www.swingtimegolf.co.za

THE BUSINESS OF GOLF

Andreas Spieckerhoff German Golf Pro

Ralph Gurtner Clubfitter Extraordinaire

Shakil Moollan Partner Parker Randall

Kurt Shรถri Swiss Invest Group

in association with TIMESONLINE of London

the

diver’s

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No other watch is engineered quite like a Rolex. The Submariner, introduced in 1953, was the ďŹ rst watch to be water resistant up to 100 metres. It was later strengthened by its patented triple-seal Triplock winding crown, making it capable of withstanding depths of up to 300 metres. The new 40 mm Submariner is presented here in 904L steel with a green Cerachrom disc.

the submariner

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

2 Contents

15

39 4 Publisher’s Letter 7 Editor’s Letter 9 Adopt-A-Golfer Tournament Retrospective : ( issues 1 to 8 ) 15 Raymond Ackerman Entrepreneur

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17 Tamby Palanyandi 78 and still Swinging !

20 Devanand Rittoo Minister of Youth and Sports 23 Malcolm Moller Business Profile 26 Yousouf Ismael Senior Economist

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29 Harry Dutson Chief Executive of AFM 32 OEM Recruitment 34 Chris de Burg Swingtime Exclusive 39 Andreas Spieckerhoff German Golf Pro

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44 Ralph Gurtner Club Fitter Extraordinaire

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

3

A publication of Market Info Direct Mauritius Ltd

Publication Director of Publication Alan Leslie DUVAL alan@marketinfodirect.com

60 48 Shakil Moollan Partner Parker Randall

General Manager Dhinesh RAI KALLEE dhinesh@marketinfodirect.com

52 Kurt Shöri Swiss Invest Group

Administration Office Personal Assistant Joyce LEE admin@marketinfodirect.com

56 Benz & Partners 58 Biz Bits

Media Team Media Manager / Editor-Journalist Robert GREEFF rob@marketinfodirect.com

60 Swingtime Golf du Château Cup 66 Tech & Trends

Concept & Design Gilbert LE CHARTIER gilbert@marketinfodirect.com

68 Golf Fashion 72 Fit Round

Graphic Designers Patrice SARAMANDIF patrice@marketinfodirect.com

74 Asian Tour

Annie WOO annie@marketinfodirect.com

76 Golf Tips 78 Astrology 80 Directory

Photographer Manoj NAWOOR Golf and Events Golf Director Billy NARRAINA billy@marketinfodirect.com Contributors Emotion Golf Events Benz & Partners Photos Emotion Golf Events Printing T-Printers Co. Ltd.

Market Info Direct (Mauritius) Ltd 6th Floor, Victoria House Line Barracks Street Port Louis, Mauritius E-mail : admin@marketinfodir ect.com Web Site : www .marketindirect.com www .swingtimegolf.co.za

The opinions expr essed in Swingtime Mauritius and in the advertorials ar e not necessarily those of the publisher. © Copyright : Swingtime Mauritius ISSN No. 1694-0687 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the publisher.

e Publisher’s letter 4

Swingtime issue 12 11 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

2 years ago Swingtime: The Business of Golf Magazine was born. There were many who said that it could not be done and even a few more who said that it should not be done. It is with a sense of great pride to reflect on how through our fair share of trials and tribulations we have not only succeeded our humble aims and ambitions, but also gone from strength to strength. Forged in a baptism of fire we have emerged victorious through the many accomplishments achieved in a 2 short years. The first Mauritian Business and Golf magazine, encapsulated in a vision of innovation and courage, boldly stepped on to a world stage, showcasing the very best Mauritius has to offer. From the paradise it is, to the varied business investments opportunities we took it all to the business leaders and captains of industry of the globe.

Swingtime Events and Tournaments have always sought to enhance the history “You are not here merely and heritage of golf in Mauritius, the 3rd to make a living. You are country in the world where golf was here in order to enable played. Our homage to this legacy has the world to live more been realised in the Swingtime Mauritius amply, with greater Golf Open (2009) at the historical Gymkhana Golf Club. Through our vision, with a finer spirit recognition of the integral role golf of hope and achievement. plays in business world over, we have You are here to enrich showcased Mauritius through the dynamic the world, and you innovation of the Swingtime Corporate impoverish yourself if you Golf Challenge (2009 and 2010), which has become one of the most exclusive forget the errand. “ and sought after corporate golf events internationally.

Ever mindful of Woodrow Wilson our belief that the ethics, attributes and benefits of the sport of golf should be accessed and enjoyed by all, and our drive to dispel its elitist status, Swingtime initiated the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program. Designed to develop and fast track the careers and talent of local Mauritian disadvantaged youth, this never before seen training program is yielding remarkable results. Their talents and development will be showcased at the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Pro Am 30th October this year. We commend their achievements by winning the 1st Bern Golf Trophy, presented by Swiss Invest Group in Bern; Switzerland in June.

To further democratise golf, Swingtime presented a golf day at the Beau Bassin Municipality Family day, creating the opportunity for disadvantaged children to experience swinging a golf club for the very first time. Spurred on by the enthusiasm and sheer joy golf imparts, Swingtime presented a Golf Initiation day to the students of the University of Mauritius during their Sports Week, the very first time that the sport of golf was represented.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

e Publisher’s letter 5

To further reach the people of Mauritius, Swingtime launched the “Swingtime Golf Show” where “We talk the Business of Golf” and the “Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Golf Tips Show” (February 2010). Both shows would not only open up the world of golf, but also introduce the mechanics of the sport into homes every Tuesday and Friday night for 32 weeks.

Through the recognition and valued response by readers worldwide after 2 years, we are excited to present the launch of the forthcoming “SWINGTIME GOLF TRAVEL” magazine, another 1st for Mauritius. Once again, another innovative product presenting 1 SWING, 1 JOURNEY, YOUR WORLD. This dynamic and pioneering publication heralds our arrival into Switzerland, Spain, Singapore and India. Join us as we promote golf worldwide.

It is with the deepest appreciation that I thank all who have supported us so loyally during the past 2 years. From our generous sponsors, our advertisers, clients, business partners, Personalities who have featured in our magazine, guests who have participated on the show (locally and internationally), our success and achievements would not have been possible without your input. A special mention of thanks for the ongoing commitment to Swingtime

by Yasmine Abdoolah (Air Mauritius); Sebastian Denton (ADAMAS); René and Florence Luron (Emotions Golf); Anaud Godère and Jay Raj Ittoo (Mauritius Post) and Steeven Shearer (Golf du Château).

To Ruth Linder (Ruth Linder Peter Foundation) and V.T. Rajah (Swingtime Global Board Chairman), your belief in us is invaluable and deeply appreciated, thank you.

To my staff, Rob Greeff, Dhinesh Rai Kallee, Joyce Lee, Billy Narraina, Gilbert Le Chartier, Annie Woo, Patrice Saramandif, Ourmila Sibcharan and Vega Murden we can indeed proudly celebrate 2 Years of Swingtime, thank you!

Let’s Play!

Alan Duval Publisher

“

”

Serving Serious Entrepreneurs Worldwide

• Corporate Strategic Planning • Business Plans • Venture Capital • Evaluation and Due Diligences • Dept Financing • Equity Financing • Asset Financing • Property Finance • Real Estate Financing

Our well developed relationships with Private Angel Investors, Venture Capital Firms, Merger and Acquisition Professionals, Companies looking for Joint Ventures and highly qualified Intermediaries offer businesses and entrepreneurs the ability to quickly find capital for their business development and financing needs.

Skyprops has developed Partnerships with accredited offshore, national and International commercial investors and investment banking firms, who will commit to lending to accredited entrepreneurs.

Together with our partners we strive to embrace all our clients to achieve par excellence results for their business.

www.skyp ro p s.co.za alan @skyp ro p s.co.za

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

W

elcome readers to the 2nd anniversary issue of Swingtime: Business of Golf Magazine. Since inception, the first Mauritian golf magazine has gone from strength to strength. Reflecting on two years of publication, we have endeavoured to showcase the very fascinating and exciting nexus of business and golf. It is an undeniably unique platform that presents individuals who have raised the bar in achievement, integrity, humbleness, perseverance and passion, and so no coincidence that these very same characteristics are intimately woven into the fabric that makes up the ethics of golf. The philosophy of golf quintessentially extols the best in the human spirit and simply “is what it is”. True golfers by extension stand in absolute clarity of purpose. We see them doing business and we see them playing golf and there is no doubt as to the principles at the core of their being.

I invite you to join us as we pause for a brief moment to glance back at some striking individuals; businessmen who are golfers and golfers who are businessmen. From entrepreneurs, economists, entertainers and of course golfers, Swingtime has been honoured and humbled to have these esteemed personalities share with us their stories, insights and philosophies. Time as we experience it by its ephemeral nature can play out as hours on a golf course, but is recalled as fleeting significant moments. It is with great pride that we present a retrospective of the

Editor’s letter 7

last two years in the history of Swingtime, before swinging into the present with new engaging profiles of German golf pro Andreas Spieckerhoff, Swiss club-fitter and engineer Ralph Gurtner, partner at Parker Randall (Mtius) Shakil Moollan and MD and founder of Swiss Invest Group Kurt Schöri.

The last two years have also seen many events initiated and covered by Swingtime. They include the launching of the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program (with adopted golfers travelling to India and Switzerland), The Swingtime Mauritius Golf Open, The 1st and 2nd international Swingtime Corporate golf challenge, the launching of the Swingtime Golf Show “Where we talk the Business of Golf” (now at episode 22), successful CSR events such as the “Golf day” at “Beau Bassin Municipality family day” and the golf initiation at the University of Mauritius. All of these events have held the democratization of golf at its heart. Swingtime will be celebrating its two-year anniversary with the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Pro Am and also the launching of a “NEW EXCITING” magazine called SWINGTIME GOLF TRAVEL. This is a publication that you will not want to miss. We will be bringing you 1 SWING-1 Journey-YOUR WORLD! To our fearless leader president, CEO and publisher Mr. Alan Duval we at team Swingtime thank you for your grand and courageous vision. None of our accomplishments would be possible without the hard work and dedication from our team. Great thanks and appreciation to Dhinesh Rai Kallee, Joyce Lee, Billy Narraina, Gilbert Le Chartier, Annie Woo, Patrice Saramandif, Ourmila Sibcharan and Vega Murden.

Have a great round!

Rob Greeff Editor

8 Advertising Rates

1.

Business of Golf Magazine Rate Card

Item

A4 Size Advert Page Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Front Cover Banner Inside Front Cover Advertorial Inside Back Cover Double Page Spread Double Page Spread Middle Back Cover DVD Insert (5,000 copies)*

2.

Item

Item

Opening Prologue 2nd Opening Prologue Show Introduction 1st Advert. Sequence 2nd Advert. Sequence 3rd Advert. Sequence Show - 1st part 4th Advert. Sequence 5th Advert. Sequence 6th Advert. Sequence Show - 2nd part Closing Prologue Closing Prologue

Rupees

Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs

45,000 27,500 13,750 50,000 75,000 49,500 67,000 80,000 97,000 85,000 1,000,000

Euro

€ 1,050 € 640 € 320 € 1,170 € 1,750 € 1,140 € 1,560 € 1,860 € 2,260 € 1,980 € 23,300

U.S. Dollar $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,290 785 395 1,430 2,150 1,415 1,915 2,285 2,775 2,430 28,600

G.B. Pound ₤ 835 ₤ 510 ₤ 395 ₤ 930 ₤ 1,390 ₤ 920 ₤ 1,240 ₤ 1,485 ₤ 1,800 ₤ 1,575 ₤ 18,550

Swiss Fr.

CHF 1,365 CHF 835 CHF 420 CHF 1,515 CHF 2,145 CHF 1,415 CHF 2,030 CHF 2,285 CHF 2,940 CHF 2,575 CHF 30,300

Golf Travel Magazine Rate Card

A4 Size Advert Page Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Front Cover Banner Inside Front Cover Advertorial Inside Back Cover Double Page Spread Double Page Spread Middle Back Cover DVD Insert (5,000 copies)*

3.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Rupees

Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs

50,000 29,000 15,000 55,000 85,000 55,000 72,000 85,000 105,000 95,000 1,000,000

Euro

€ 1,170 € 675 € 350 € 1,280 € 1,980 € 1,280 € 1,675 € 1,980 € 2,445 € 2,210 € 23,300

U.S. Dollar $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,430 830 430 1,575 2,430 1,575 2,100 2,430 3,000 2,720 28,600

G.B. Pound ₤ 930 ₤ 540 ₤ 280 ₤ 925 ₤ 1,575 ₤ 1,020 ₤ 1,340 ₤ 1,575 ₤ 1,950 ₤ 1,760 ₤ 18,550

Swiss Fr.

CHF 1,515 CHF 880 CHF 455 CHF 1,670 CHF 2,575 CHF 2,940 CHF 2,145 CHF 2,575 CHF 3,230 CHF 2,285 CHF 30,300

Talk Show - On Television 26 minutes Rupees

12 sec.

Rs 12 sec.

Rs 8 minutes 12 sec.

Rs 12 sec.

Rs 12 sec.

Rs 8 minutes 12 sec.

Rs 12 sec.

Rs 12 sec.

Rs 8 minutes 12 sec.

Rs 12 sec.

Rs

Euro

U.S. Dollar

G.B. Pound

Swiss Fr.

15,000 15,000 15,000

€ 350 € 350 € 350

$ 430 $ 430 $ 430

₤ 280 ₤ 280 ₤ 280

CHF 455 CHF 455 CHF 455

10,000 10,000 10,000

€ 235 € 235 € 235

$ 285 $ 285 $ 285

₤ 185 ₤ 185 ₤ 185

CHF 305 CHF 305 CHF 305

25,000 25,000

€ 715 € 715

$ 600 $ 600

₤ 465 ₤ 465

CHF 760 CHF 760

30,000 30,000

€ 700 € 700

Benefits:

$ 860 $ 860

₤ 555 ₤ 555

CHF 910 CHF 910

(a) Advertising on any above format for minimum 6 editions for magazines or 6 shows - pre agreed discount of 5% on value of sales (b) Advertising on any above format with merger options form either 2 or 3 above marketing proposals - discounting rate of 5-10% on value of sales (c) To advertise on www.marketinfodirect.com & www.swingtimegolf.co.za Rs 30, 000 for a year booking.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Golfer’s paradise

Market Info Direct Mtius (M.I.D) Ltd invites all avid golfers to the 1st Swingtime Adopt A Golfer PRO AM Challenge Trophy 2010. This event under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of M.I.D is to be directed by Swingtime Golf Mauritius. The 1st Mauritian Golf and Business magazine, ‘Swingtime the Business of Golf Magazine’ launched in 2008 to 17 countries, under the aegis of Market Info Direct (MID) has continued to support Mauritian Golfers via events on each layer of social and business endeavours by hosting the 1st & 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge (2009 & 2010), Swingtime Mauritius Open 2009, Swingtime Talk Show & Golf Tips Show, and this year presenting an unprecedented call to support underprivileged golfers aspiring to be golf professionals. These golfers have recently showcased their talent at the 1st Berne Golf Trophy this year in Berne Switzerland.

In tribute to their year training, Swingtime is hosting the 1st Adopt A Golfer PRO - AM, on 30th October 2010 in Mauritius. Participants / Golfers Amateurs and Professionals are requested to book their entry and support this initiative meant for the betterment of young aspiring golfers. In conjunction Swingtime will be celebrating its 2nd year of existence and thank all business partners and sponsors for fulfilling a commitment taken for the next 4 (four) years.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you a platform that we all need to support in the quest of democratising golf for underprivileged golfers, and create a lifetime opportunity to be blessed in the Sport of Golf via this initiative. We invite you to peruse our offer and reflect on the words close to our hearts: ‘’If one of us can make a difference, imagine what we can do together’’.

Golfingly, Dhinesh Rai Kallee Hereunder the details of Terms & Conditions: 1.

One (1) DAY PRO-AM, 18 holes stableford - 2 Best Nett Scores.

Total number of teams limited to 20. The format: four ball alliance stableford two nett score of each hole. All pros will be competing individually for a prize money, format also stableford. Nett score will take preference. Prizes will be given to top 2 best Nett after the 1 (One) day competition. Open to all amateurs (Women: 36hdp / Men: 28hdp) affiliated to their respective country’s Golf Federation and who have a valid medical certificate. Open to PROs affiliated to their respective country’s PGA.

2.

PACKAGES The packages have been designed to be very competitive and worthy of the hospitality under offer via Le Heritage Telfair Golf & Spa Resorts with the collaboration of Air Mauritius, Emirates & Bonny Air Travel.

U C A HAMPIO E T A H C NSH U D F I L P O GOLF COURSE – BEL OMBRE G

10 Adopt-a-golfer

3.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Entry fee for the PRO AM Euro 320 exclusive of the package on offer for airfares, accommodation and transfers.

•

pr • • • • • • • • • • • •

The PRO-AM will consist of a maximum of 20 teams of 3 amateurs and one ofessional.

One (1) day PRO-AM, 18 HOLES STABLEFORD The format: four ball alliance stableford two nett score of each hole.

All pros will be competing individually for a prize money, format also stableford.

All Pros’ will need to play their own score, as their will be an individual prize.

Prizes will be given to top 3 nett.

Open to all amateurs (Women: 36hdp / Men: 28hdp) affiliated to their respective country’s Golf Federation and who have a valid medical certificate.

Open to PROs affiliated to their respective country’s PGA. On course refreshment on mid way during the One (1) Day of competition.

Sharing buggy during the One (1) Day of competition.

Welcoming/departure courtesy gifts and competitions’ prizes.

Lunch Buffet (excluding drinks) GENERAL Entries will only be accepted on the official form duly signed by the home club secretary. -Any handicap changes must be reported to Tournament Director before start of play.

PARTICIPATION IN TOURNAMENT IS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION BY THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE • •

Play shall be in accordance with the rules of golf as laid down by the R & A and any local rule notified by the organizing committee.

The committee reserves the right to amend or vary any condition of the competition. It also reserves the right to refuse any entry or vary the number of competitors.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London 5.

6.

Adopt-a-golfer 11

Golf Professional Prize Money First 5 Pros’ total prizes of Euro 1290. The organizing committee reserves the right to amend the breakdown of the prize fund. Gratuity of Golf Pro (staying at the Hotel with a group of players): free accommodation on HB for the pro as from 8 paying golfers.

Other prizes and gifts as from Sponsors.

10.

•

Early check in at 14 hrs and check out at noon.

Booking Dhinesh Rai Kallee General Manager Email: dhinesh@marketinfodirect.com or admin@marketinfodirect.com Tel: +230 213 33 99 Fax: +230 213 33 42

Prizes for the Amateurs First 3 Teams in Nett.

Team Allotments: One (1) Team of 1 Professional and 3 amateurs

Check In & Check Out

7.

8.

Reservations & Packages: All reservations shall be done via Swingtime on the following details: Closing Date 16th October 2010.

9.

Cancellation Policies : •

Before the 16th October 2010 50% cancellation fees

•

After the 16th October until no shows 100% cancellation fees

Banking Details

Robert Greeff Media team / Editor-Journalist Email: rob@marketinfodirect.com or admin@marketinfodir ect.com Fax : +230 213 33 42 Fax: +230 213 33 42 TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS Golf director: Billy M. Narraina Email: billy@marketinfodirect.com Bel Ombre General Manager - Golf du Chateau Steven Shearer

Swingtime Golf Travel LTD.

BANK ADDRESS

Barclays Bank Plc, Sir William Newton Street, Port Louis, Mauritius

SWIFT COD

BARC MU MU MAF

Account Number (Euro))

07-2030575

IBAN

MU73BARC0307000002030575000EUR

Account Number (Pounds))

07-2030907

IBAN

MU14BARC0307000002030907000GBP

Account Number (Dollar US) 07-2030710 IBAN

MU59BARC0307000002030710000USD

12 Adopt-A-Golfer

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Flight from Zurich Economy rates are inclusive of taxes & charges Air Itinerary AIRLINE

Zurich – Dubai – MRU

Economy Class

MRU – Dubai – Zurich

FARE (Euro)

€ 975

Business Class rates are inclusive of taxes & charges Air Itinerary AIRLINE

Zurich – Dubai – MRU

Business Class

MRU – Dubai – Zurich

FARE (Euro)

€ 4,115

HOTEL & ACCOMODATION: OPTION A Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort 5 Stars Room Category

Superior Room

Details

RATES per person

Service

½ double on HB

Breakfast & Dinner (exclusive of Drinks)

€ 152

Single on HB

Breakfast & Dinner (exclusive of Drinks)

€ 213

Triple on HB

Breakfast & Dinner (exclusive of Drinks)

€ 137

HOTEL & ACCOMODATION: OPTION B Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort 5 Stars Room Category

Superior Sea View

Details

RATES per person

Service

½ double on HB

Breakfast & Dinner (exclusive of Drinks)

€ 164

Single on HB

Breakfast & Dinner (exclusive of Drinks)

€ 230

Triple on HB

Breakfast & Dinner (exclusive of Drinks)

€ 148

Package variation – from € 2,375 to € 6,185 (economy to business on either superior or sea view superior accommodation) exclusive of competition fee € 320.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Golfer’s paradise

NAME: ___________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________

COUNTRY: _____________________ TEL. No.: _________________________

FAX No. : _____________________

E-MAIL: __________________________

GOLF PRO / GOLF AMATEUR: Specify: ______________________________

HOME CLUB: ____________________ HANDICAP: ___________________

I confirm that Mr / Mrs ______________________________________ is a member of __________________________ Golf Club and currently holds a _______ Signatur

handicap.

e: ____________________

PS. Any handicap alterations to be advised before the competition with a signed certificate from the Club Secretary

•

CLOSING DATE 16th October 2010.

•

Competition fees for all amateur entries in the Pro-Am will be charged Euro 320 per participant.

Level 6, Victoria House, Barracks Street, Port-Louis Tel: (230) 213 3399-Fax (230) 213 3342 admin@marketinfodirect.com - www.swingtimegolf.co.za

Golfer’s paradise

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Profile: Raymond Ackerman 15

Raymond’s Passion South Africa without Pick ‘n Pay? Well, thanks to Raymond Ackerman this n local retail icon will be around for a while yet..

“The only difference now is that I take on extra break during the year, because I don’t want to die in office. While I’ve split the company with my CEO who is responsible for the day to day running of the company, I try and help him” states Raymond Ackerman who still travels continually, from Zimbabwe to all the South African operations to visit the stores. “I like to keep the warmth and the family-feel of the company. I always go to the supermarket congress in June and we all travel to Europe and America to keep abreast of supermarket trends”.

Keeping to good habits, Raymond Ackerman makes a point otherwise to be in the office working solidly, including Saturday mornings. “I feel it is important that we should operate the same as the stores. If they work, we should basically do the same” he says. Ackerman’s business career was obviously built on principles of bold positiveness, self-confidence and a deep sense of humanity that sometimes got him into trouble. “I got fired from a chain store at the age of 36. I had built it from one store to 85, when I was called in on a Monday morning and told to pack my bags and get out. I hadn’t stolen and I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I had always fought with them. They were departmental store people and were steeped in

those types of ideas which ow I wasn’t. So they said you know Raymond you are just too difficult. I was given two weeks salary which was terrible. They wouldn’t be able to do it today with the labour laws” he recalls.

Even at the hardest times, Ackerman also knew how to rely on his family and take the best from advice given to him. “I had to decide if I would work for another company, which I nearly did, or pack it in and emigrate, or even go back to university and become a doctor, which is what always wanted. Somebody had taught me a method to face crisis. In short, you must put down your thoughts, establish what your problem is, note its causes and then put down your alternatives and mark them out of 10. Coming to question: Do I open my own supermarket company even though I don’t have any money? I marked 10. And I said to myself, ‘How in the hell can I open a business like Checkers, OK and Woolworths with no money?

Then I remembered something an American had told me years ago.’ You need 90 % guts and 10 % capital to start your business. I went to see an accountant to buy a small company. There were a couple of businesses available, including one at R600,000 for three Pick ‘n Pay stores.” It was a question of money, but as this American had said to Ackerman, with guts one can always raise the money. The businessman was advised by the accountant that if he could get 50 shareholders to put in R4,000 quickly, the accountant would help him raise the balance from the bank. “If I may say, I kept hanging to those things which learned from this American guy. It helped me sit back and not wallow in self-pity”.

ISSUE 1

I

f, like many of my friends you thought that Raymond Ackerman was resting on his laurels and loafing around playing golf all day, you couldn’t be further from the truth. At 76 he is still as active as ever and he is still involved in running the retail empire that he has built up over the past four decades.

by Ashley Van Schalkwyk k

16 Profile: Raymond Ackerman

So how did he break this news to the wife? “I thought that she would be tearing her hair out. We had four kids, no money, no job but she backed me tooth and nail. She said, “This is the best day of your life. She was fantastic. If it wasn’t for her and this American guy and his advice, I think I would possibly have packed it in. I think it is important that you have mentors that you listen to, who can be pillars when you have a moment of need. If you are passionate about something and you can convince people that you really are passionate, it works”.

So how did he achieve success in business?

Raymond Ackerman claims that he was very in uenced by Professor Hutt, one of his lecturers at the University of Cape Town.

“It was he who taught me that you have to be passionate about your consumer. However, this philosophy doesn’t apply only to businessmen. If you are a doctor, be passionate about your patient, if an hotelier be passionate to your guest.

He also taught me, and this is very important, that if you are passionate about making money then you will never be successful. So if you really help the consumer and genuinely believe that and become passionate about you career you will be successful.”

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London extends beyond the need for good advertising to cover basic consumerism, courtesy and social responsibility. Last, but definitely not least, is the people leg with remuneration, benefits, equal opportunity and communication as key elements.

It is this leg that benefits most from sound management principles. Is it any wonder then that Ackerman is often referred to as the housewives friend? “I take consumer complaints personally.

I had one this morning. It’s amazing the reaction when someone who is angry about something is able to talk directly to the chairman. In such a situation I always apologize, or send a letter or owers or something.”

What keeps old Ackerman going?

May be passion. A passion for challenges coupled with the passion for good sport. “Some of my family think I’m crazy and that I should pack it in and play more golf because you only live once, but I’m very lucky because my health has been good. I do play golf on Wednesday and Saturday and I do take this extra break a year to get rid of the pressure. I really just love the game and I’ve made some good friends. I was virtually born on a golf course” says Ackerman. He developed a passion for the game from his father who bought a nine-hole golf course in Clovelly Hutt though wasn’t from the Royal Navy I think golf has helped me stay alive and the only in uence for £5,000 in 1951. The in Ackerman’s dad was a keen golfer I hope so for many more. I really just love business career. In the game and I’ve made some good friends. even though he had the early 1960s he to play one-handed attended a seminar I was virtually born on a golf course. due to a motor car given by Bernard accident when he was Trujillo, a genius in marketing. Trujillo virtually younger. After buying the course he handed it to reiterated Hutt’s advice. According to Ackerman the members on the basis that it was open to all the American’s words were, “You’ve have to make religions. At that time certain clubs wouldn’t allow the consumer your queen”. He also gave Ackerman Jewish members.

‘The four legs of the table’ philosophy which he implemented at Pick ‘n Pay. “Basically, the four Ackerman obviously takes after his father. Currently legs represent the four aspects of your company saddled with a 13-handicap, he used to play off that supports the top of the table upon which the three and shot and says he would like to bring his consumer sits. This really helped me to focus on the handicap down to a 10. However, that didn’t stop consumer.” him from shooting a 75 at Gleneagles in Scotland in October last year. “There is nothing nicer for In essence, each leg needs to be strong in order me than to play golf with my son and grandson, to balance the table, which is the business. who is a big, burly Stellenbosch university student Administration is the first leg. This covers the now 21 years old. He hits the ball a mile, but not as various administration controls, finance and store straight as he would like. I’m passionate about golf. development - in brief, the mechanics of running It has kept me sane during my business career. For the business. Next comes the merchandise leg, the first couple of holes I’m busy getting rid of the which involves finding out what consumers really pressure and then I don’t think of anything else. want, and giving it to them at the right price Also I don’t talk business on the course. I think golf coupled with maximum shopping convenience. has helped me stay alive and I hope to stay alive for Third is advertising and social responsibility, which many more”.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Golf Profile: Tamby Palanyandi 17

78 and still Swinging!

Il swing toujours à 78 ans !

T

a mby Palanyandi is a reference in the world of Golf in Mauritius. Everyone who plays golf on the island knows him. And that’s not only because he is the oldest one of them, nor because he has played with some of the greatest, but also because he helped several generations learn how to play the game. At 78, Tamby Palanyandi still teaches golf and his memory as well as his game have not faded one bit…

Tamby, you have been playing golf for more than 50 years now. Can you tell us how it all started for you?

I finished primary school at the age of 12.

Education was not yet free of charge at that time and my parents didn’t have the means to send me to secondary school. So I started working at the Gymkhana as a caddy to get some pocket money. Mauritius was still a British Colony and the British soldiers were based there. At that

time the Gymkhana was the only golf course of the island. It was a nine-hole course, but has changed a lot since then.

There I had the chance to be the caddy of Captain John Island, who was the best player of the club and of the island at that time. He was very kind to me and took the time to teach me how to play golf. After that, I started working on the course maintenance and then I worked as a barman.

One day the British golfers of the club came to see me saying that they heard I could play and wanted to have a round with me. After the game they were so impressed that they started asking me unofficially to teach them what I knew. Then they did the necessary arrangements for me to become an official golf teacher and at that time the fees were of Rs 2.50 (less that E0.10) only per hour! I started giving golf tuitions officially in 1954 and I still remember my first student.

ISSUE 2

TAMBY PALANYANDI

18 Golf Profile: Tamby Palanyandi

So from caddy, you became a golf teacher. How about your participation in tournaments?

In those days the Mauritius Golf Championship was held at Le Morne and all the airlines serving Mauritius were represented by their best players. On my first participation in this tournament, I lost by one point to a certain Captain Bow, who was a scratch player. I again finished second the year after and it was then that Mr. Grewals, a very influential businessman, called me and asked me how the game went. I told him I lost again by one stroke and he asked me to show him my set of clubs, which I must admit was of a poor quality because it was all I could afford. “What? You finished one stroke behind with that?” … I will never forget what he did next. He called his caddy, handed my clubs to him and said to him, “Here, take those for you”.Then he asked the caddy to go and fetch his personal set of clubs in his car, which of course was one of the most expensive brands at that time. “Make good use of these”, he said.

With this new set of clubs, my next tournament was the right one and marked my first victory in a local championship and I will always be thankful for the generosity of those who allowed me to play.

What are your best souvenirs from this long career in the world of golf?

In Mauritius I got the chance to play with Gary Player in 1978, this was one of the most intense moments of my life. I lost to him one under as he scored two under and I will always remember what he told me after our game: “With your pitching, I could take you around the world”.

Gary Player was a true gentleman and came to Mauritius on holidays just after winning the world championship. I had already started teaching golf at the Le Saint Géran at that time and the director arranged games for me against all the good golfers that stayed at the hotel. So I had to make my best to always stay in top form.

I also got the chance to play with Bernhard Langer when I visited Sun City, as well as the Henning brothers. When I look back on all these moments I must say that I feel very grateful and proud and from where I come from, I could never have dreamt that through a gentlemen’s sport like golf, I could meet international stars and create friendships around the world.

Any regrets?

Lots of foreign players told me I was born in the wrong part of the world. Because at that time, I can humbly say I was pretty good. I was among the first to go and teach golf in Reunion Island

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London and I went there on several occasions too. In those days golf was not as developed as it is nowadays… Golf courses are mushrooming these days on the island, but at that time it was considered “an old Englishmen game”. So as I say it again, taking into consideration my humble background, I have absolutely no regrets concerning my career and I sincerely hope that now that golf has a greater success in Mauritius, other local golfers will be able to experience as much success and good moments that I have.

T

amby Palanyandi est un monument du golf mauricien. Tous ceux qui jouent au golf sur l’île le connaissent. Et ce n’est pas simplement parce qu’il est le plus âgé, ni parce qu’il a joué avec les plus grands, mais aussi parce qu’il a initié plusieurs générations au golf. A 78 ans, Tamby Palanyandi enseigne toujours et ses souvenirs, tout comme son jeu, sont restés intacts…

Tamby, vous jouez au golf depuis plus de 50 ans maintenant. Comment cette aventure a-t-elle commencé pour vous?

Après ma scolarité primaire à l’âge de 12 ans, l’éducation n’étant pas encore gratuite, ma famille n’avait pas les moyens de m’envoyer à l’école secondaire. Ainsi pour gagner ma vie et me faire un peu d’argent de poche, j’ai commencé à travailler au Gymkhana en tant que caddie. L’île Maurice était une colonie britannique à l’époque et les soldats anglais étaient basés ici. En ce temps, le Gymkhana était le seul parcours de golf de l’île. C’était un 9-trous, qui a beaucoup changé depuis.

J’eus la chance d’être le caddie du meilleur joueur du club et de l’île de ce temps, le capitaine John Island. Il fut très aimable envers moi et prit le temps de m’apprendre à jouer au golf. J’ai commencé à travailler à l’entretien du parcours puis ensuite je devins barman. Un beau jour, les golfeurs britanniques du club m’approchèrent ; ils avaient entendu dire que je savais jouer et voulaient faire une partie avec moi. Ils furent si impressionnés après la partie qu’ils me demandèrent officieusement de leur enseigner mes techniques. Ils prirent ensuite les dispositions nécessaires pour me permettre de devenir un moniteur officiel de golf ; les frais n’étaient que de Rs 2.50 seulement (moins de E0.10) l’heure ! J’ai commencé à donner des leçons officiellement en 1954 et je me souviens toujours de mon premier étudiant.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Donc de caddie vous êtes passé à moniteur de golf. Qu’en est-il de votre participation aux tournois ?

A l’époque, le Mauritius Golf Championship se tenait au Morne et toutes les compagnies aériennes étaient représentées par leurs meilleurs joueurs. A ma première participation dans ce tournoi, je perdis par un coup derrière un certain Capitaine Bow qui était un joueur scratch. L’année suivante, je fus encore une fois second et c’est là que Monsieur Grewals, un businessman très influent, m’appela et me demanda comment s’était passé le tournoi. Je lui dis que j’avais encore perdu par un coup et il demanda à voir mes clubs de golf, qui je dois l’avouer étaient de qualité médiocre vu mes modestes moyens. « Quoi ? Vous avez terminé second avec ça ! » Je n’oublierai jamais ce qu’il fit après. Il appela son caddie, lui donna mes clubs et lui dit : « Tiens, prends cela ». Puis il lui demanda d’aller chercher son jeu personnel de sa voiture qui, bien entendu, était de la marque la plus chère du moment. « Prenez-les, me dit-il, j’espère qu’ils vous seront utiles».

Avec ce nouveau jeu de clubs, mon tournoi suivant fut le bon et je remportai ma première victoire dans une compétition locale. Je serai toujours reconnaissant envers ceux qui, grâce à leur générosité, m’ont permis de jouer.

Golf Profile: Tamby Palanyandi 19

Quels sont vos meilleurs souvenirs de votre longue carrière dans le monde du golf ?

A Maurice j’eus la chance de jouer avec Gary Player en 1978 et ce fut l’un des moments les plus intenses de ma vie. Je perdis d’un coup sous le par alors qu’il avait scoré deux sous le par. Je me souviendrai toujours de ses paroles après le round : « Avec votre frappe de balle, je pourrais vous emmener autour du monde. » Il était un vrai gentleman ; il était en vacances à Maurice peu après avoir remporté le championnat du monde. J’avais déjà commencé à enseigner le golf au Saint-Géran, dont le directeur organisait des rencontres pour moi contre tous les bons golfeurs résidant à l’hôtel. Donc je faisais de mon mieux pour être au meilleur de ma forme.

J’ai eu la chance de jouer avec Bernhard Langer lors d’une visite à Sun City et avec les frères Henning. Quand je repense à tous ces moments j’avoue que je suis très reconnaissant et fier : de là d’où je viens, je n’aurais jamais pu rêver qu’un jour à travers un sport de gentleman comme le golf, j’aurais rencontré tant de stars internationales et me faire tant d’amis à travers le monde.

Des regrets ?

De nombreux joueurs étrangers m’ont dit que j’étais né dans la mauvaise partie du monde.

Parce qu’en ce temps, je peux humblement admettre que j’étais plutôt bon. Je fus parmi les premiers à aller enseigner le golf à l’île de la Réunion et j’y suis allé à maintes occasions.

Autrefois le golf n’était pas ce qu’il est aujourd’hui… Ces jours-ci, les parcours sont nombreux à travers l’île, mais à l’époque c’était considéré comme « un jeu pour Anglais âgés ».

Donc, je répète que, vu le milieu modeste d’où je viens, je n’ai absolument aucun regret concernant ma carrière et je souhaite sincèrement que maintenant que le golf a du succès à Maurice, d’autres golfeurs mauriciens auront la chance de vivre les succès et les bons moments que j’ai vécus.

20 Devanand Rittoo

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Hon. Satyaprakash (Devanand) Ritoo MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS Seldom does one meet such an energetic Politician with a zest for life and an enormous vision to change the lives of every youth and sports lover in Mauritius. Newly appointed Minister Ritoo has a passion for Sports and his goal is set on increasing the participation of physical activities within the community including new plans to construct the first municipal golf course in Mauritius.

His campaign will enrich the lives of every Mauritian citizen, offering more opportunities for the young and old to experience the joy of sport and physical activity including Golf. An experienced Athlete Minister Ritoo participated in athletics and football when he was in School at John Kennedy College, which continued into a professional career playing at the highest level football for almost eight years.

His highest level attained was playing for the Mauritius National Squad until injury forced him into retirement.

After retirement from football Minister Ritoo was appointed the Adviser/Coach of the Ministry of Youth and Sports from 1996 to 2005. “I was always interested in politics since a young age. I had made a name in football and sports. When the proposal came to me to stand as candidate for the Social Alliance party in 2005, it was a dream comes true.”

Since taking office as Minister in September 2008 he made it a priority to meet all stakeholders in sports and the athletes as well. His foremost priority is to give each citizen of Mauritius the opportunity to practice a sport of their choice. “Sport is a good medium to fight against various social evils and health hazards. Mass sports programmes will be developed and local authorities will be actively involved on this project.”

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London The Ministry of Youth and Sports officially recognises the Mauritius Golf Federation and offers financial support and assistance to organise tournaments for local players. At present a proposal is taking place for the construction of a golf course that will be managed by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Mauritius Golf Federation.

The Mauritius Golf Federation is the sole authority responsible for promoting golf in Mauritius. The Ministry, through financial assistance, helps the federation to attain its objectives. “It appears that the practice of Golf requires an important financial investment. As Minister of Sports, I will see the possibilities that can be explored to help in the promotion of Golf in Mauritius.”

Minister Ritoo requested the federation to help in the advancement of Golf in Mauritius by initiating Development Golf Programmes for schoolchildren.

“Golf is one of the sports that are broadcasted regularly on private TV channels and I know that citizens of Mauritius would love to practice this sport if they are given the opportunity to do so.”

Minister Ritoo believes that golf should be promoted and accessible to all social classes in Mauritius. He feels that anyone interested in practicing golf should be given the opportunity to do so irrespective of his social class. “This could be achieved by enabling the citizens of Mauritius to have access to the existing golf courses. An agreement will have to be worked out between hotels and the federation.”

His message to the youth of Mauritius and around the world is clear: “To the youth of Mauritius, I would say, you can count on me for the development and promotion of sports in this country. I am coming up with new strategies for development of sports in Mauritius and I invite all young citizens to join our different sports programmes.”

“To the people of the world, I would say, Sport is a way of life. Sport develops values such as honesty, friendship, tolerance towards others, fairplay, unity and sportsmanship. Sport is lifetime learning environment.”

His plans for the New Year include re-launching activities for youth like “Jeux de L’ Avenir”(Future Games) and “Jeux de L’Espoir”(Game of Hope). A new concept will be introduced for the promotion of sport at Tertiary Level. Special attention will

Devanand Rittoo 21

be given for the preparation of Mauritian Athletes in forthcoming major events and more promising and potentially gifted athletes will be provided with financial assistance to support them in their quest for excellence in sport. “I will personally see to it that our sports infrastructures are maintained in a reasonable standard so that our athletes train and compete in a safe and healthy environment.”

Il incarne l’image de l’homme politique moderne déterminé à apporter sa pierre à l’édifice d’une société meilleure. Devanand Rittoo, le nouveau ministre de la Jeunesse et des Sports, a toujours l’énergie débordante et l’enthousiasme de l’athlète qu’il a été. Une énergie qu’il veut mettre au service du sport local en permettant au plus grand nombre de citoyens de pratiquer une activité physique.

Parmi ses nouveaux projets figure la construction du premier parcours de golf municipal.

La campagne du ministre Rittoo vise à permettre à chaque citoyen mauricien, jeune ou vieux, de s’épanouir à travers une discipline sportive ou la pratique régulière d’une activité physique. A cet égard, il est déterminé à mettre à la portée du plus grand nombre l’encadrement approprié. Le golf fait partie des activités qu’il veut promouvoir à plus grande échelle. C’est indéniablement son passé d’athlète qui explique la détermination du ministre, qui ne veut pas tomber dans le piège des vœux pieux. Ce n’est pas étonnant qu’il soit un homme de terrain. Le terrain il connaît bien, même si celui-ci était d’une autre nature. En effet, le ministre Rittoo a participé à des compétitions nationales de football lorsqu’il était un peu plus jeune. Son intérêt pour le football a pris naissance au collège John Kennedy, qu’il fréquentait. Il s’est adonné à sa passion jusqu’au niveau professionnel, évoluant pendant 8 ans au sein du football d’élite. Le point culminant de sa carrière fut de jouer pour l’équipe nationale jusqu’à se qu’il du se retirer suite à des blessures.

Après sa retraite du football professionnel, Devanand Rittoo était nommé conseiller/entraîneur au ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports de 1996 à 2005. “J’ai toujours été intéressé par la politique, et ce depuis très jeune. Je m’étais fait un nom dans le domaine sportif, en particulier le foot, et j’avais atteint mes objectifs. Quand l’Alliance sociale m’a proposé de me présenter aux élections générales de 2005, c’était un rêve qui se réalisait”, nous confie-t-il.

Dès qu’il a pris ses fonctions de ministre en septembre 2008, Devanand Rittoo s’est fait un devoir de rencontrer tous les partenaires sportifs

22 Devanand Rittoo

ainsi que les athlètes. Sa priorité est de donner la chance à chaque citoyen la possibilité de pratiquer le sport de son choix. “Le sport reste le meilleur moyen pour combattre les fléaux sociaux et les problèmes de santé. Des programmes de sports de masse seront développés et les collectivités locales seront appelées à s’investir à fond dans ce projet”, indique-t-il.

Le ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports accorde tout son soutien à la Fédération Mauricienne de Golf et est toujours partant pour participer à l’organisation de tournois destinés aux golfeurs locaux. Le projet de construction d’un parcours de golf qui sera géré par le ministère des Sports conjointement avec la Fédération Mauricienne de Golf est actuellement à l’étude.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London un sport qui passe régulièrement sur les chaînes privées et je sais que beaucoup de Mauriciens seraient heureux de pratiquer cette discipline s’ils en avaient l’opportunité”.

Le ministre des Sports pense que le golf doit être popularisé et être accessible à toutes les classes sociales du pays. Il estime que toute personne intéressée à pratiquer ce sport doit avoir la possibilité de le faire. Ce qui peut être fait facilement, dit-il, en facilitant l’accès aux nombreux parcours de golf opérationnels dans le pays : “Pour cela, il faudrait qu’un accord soit conclu entre les hôtels et la fédération”.

Son message aux jeunes du pays et du monde entier est clair :

La Fédération Mauricienne de Golf est la seule autorité responsable de la promotion de cette discipline à Maurice. Le soutien financier du ministère permet à la fédération d’atteindre ses objectifs. “Il est le ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports accorde tout son soutien à la Fédération Mauricienne de Golf et est toujours partant pour participer à l’organisation de tournois destinés aux golfeurs locaux. Le projet de construction d’un parcours de golf qui sera géré par le ministère des Sports conjointement avec la Fédération Mauricienne de Golf est actuellement à l’étude.

“Les jeunes de Maurice peuvent compter sur moi pour le développement et la promotion du sport local. J’ai élaboré de nouvelles stratégies à cet égard et j’espère que cela encouragera les jeunes à participer davantage aux programmes sportifs que nous allons proposer”.

La Fédération Mauricienne de Golf est la seule autorité responsable de la promotion de cette discipline à Maurice. Le soutien financier du ministère permet à la fédération d’atteindre ses objectifs. “Il est évident que la pratique du golf exige d’importants investissements financiers. Comme ministre de tutelle, je m’engage à étudier toutes les possibilités pour assurer la promotion de cette discipline”, soutient Devanand Rittoo.

Ses projets pour la nouvelle année comprennent la relance d’activités destinées aux jeunes comme les Jeux de l’Avenir et les Jeux de l’Espoir. Un nouveau concept sera élaboré pour promouvoir les sports au niveau des institutions tertiaires. Une attention particulière sera accordée à la préparation des athlètes en vue des prochaines compétitions nationales et internationales. Les athlètes qui ont du potentiel bénéficieront d’une assistance financière afin de leur permettre d’atteindre l’excellence dans leurs disciplines de prédilection. “Je veillerai personnellement à ce que nos infrastructures sportives soient d’un niveau approprié pour que les athlètes puissent s’entraîner dans les meilleures conditions possibles”, conclut-il.

Par ailleurs, le ministre a sollicité la collaboration de la fédération pour faire progresser ce sport à Maurice par le biais des programmes d’initiation auprès des élèves des écoles primaires. “Le golf est

“Aux jeunes du monde, je voudrai dire que le sport est un mode de vie. Il développe des valeurs comme l’honnêteté, l’amitié, la tolérance, le fairplay et la sportivité. Le sport est un domaine dans lequel on ne cesse d’apprendre durant toute la vie”.

ISSUE 3

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Business Profile: Malcolm Moller 23

Malcolm Malcolm Moller Moller

A

ppleby is a leading provider of offshore legal, fiduciary and administration services. Uniquely positioned in the key offshore jurisdictions of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jersey and Mauritius, as well as the international financial centres of London, Hong Kong and Zurich, the group offers objective jurisdictional business solutions. Over 700 lawyers and professional specialists deliver sophisticated, specialised services primarily in the areas of Corporate and Commercial, Litigation and Insolvency, Trusts and Property. Clients include global public and private companies, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.

Australian Malcolm Moller has been living in Mauritius for 20 months and is the Managing Partner of the new office with Gilbert Noel. His office specializes in advising financial institutions on financial regulation, banking, insurance, funds, shipping, aviation, telecommunications and technology industries, as well as advising on derivatives transactions and securities offering.

Previous to his appointment in Mauritius Malcolm was living and working in Bermuda for five years.

The companies’ decision to open an office in Mauritius is part of Appleby’s global strategy

ISSUE 4

“ If you’re looking for an office anywhere in Africa then you can’t go past Mauritius ”

driven by the demand of their institutional clients in North America, Europe and Asia who indicated that they were looking for the resources of a global offshore services firm, to create efficient investment structures through a well-placed, independent sovereign country. “We are here to make our clients happy”. With over ten of the world’s leading golf courses at his door step Malcolm intends to get more into the game of golf now that he is living in one of the world’s greatest locations for golfing.

“Golf as a business seems to be unaffected by the recession and tends to hold up no matter the financial situation.”

With the addition of their Mauritius office, there are new opportunities, particularly for access to business into and out of the emerging markets in Asia and Africa. “We think Mauritius is strategically located within Africa, if you’re looking for an office anywhere in Africa then you can’t go past Mauritius”.

With 95% percent of their clients being fortune 500 Companies Malcolm feels their move to Mauritius was an important one. “Mauritius is an up and coming jurisdiction – so there is a lot that needs to be modernized but they have got the framework there”. For a multinational company setting up

24 Business Profile: Malcolm Moller

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

business on a small island can have its difficulties. However Malcolm reports a positive experience of his time here working with Mauritian Government and Companies.

“The Government has been very much promoting people coming to Mauritius so we have found procedures here to be quite good for new companies wanting to get set up in the country.”

The slowdown in the global market is something Appleby has been preparing for.

“The year will be a bit slow but I think maybe now is the time to look at restructuring, and we see of lot of companies doing that now...

We think 2009 may be a bit difficult but it will not be as bad as we initially thought.”

Malcolm Moller is the Managing Partner of the Mauritius Office and a member of both the Insurance and Structured Finance Teams within the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group. Malcolm specialises in advising financial institutions on financial regulation, regulatory capital issues, financial institution M&A, funds and insurance related transactions, as well as advising on derivatives transactions and securities offerings.

As a regul ar contributor on Mauritiusrelated articles, Malcolm’s writings have been featured in numerous publications, including The Lawyer, The American Lawyer International Investment and Investor Services Journal.

A preferred jurisdiction Malcolm Moller of Appleby outlines the regulation of collective investment schemes or closed-end funds in Mauritius: Inbound investment into India through Mauritius incorporated entities such as collective investment schemes or closed-end funds For the past decades, the global business industry in Mauritius has been quite active mainly for inbound investment into India, Africa and China. Since the double taxation treaty between Mauritius and India (the “Mauritius treaty”) is more favorable compared to other jurisdictions, Mauritius has become the preferred jurisdiction for providing Foreign Direct Investment in India.

As a result, many investment and/or hedge funds were incorporated in Mauritius for the purpose of investment in India.

For example, the income of a Mauritius fund will be subject to income tax in Mauritius at the rate of 15%. However, the Mauritius fund will be allowed a credit for foreign tax on its income which is not derived from Mauritius against the Mauritius tax computed by reference to that same income. If no written evidence is presented to the Mauritius Commissioner of Income Tax showing the amount of foreign tax charged, the amount of foreign tax shall nevertheless be conclusively presumed to be equal to 80% of the Mauritius tax chargeable with respect to that income, which would reduce the rate of tax effectively to 3%.

Capital gains derived from the sale of securities held by the Mauritius fund will not be subject to Mauritius tax and any dividends and proceeds paid by the Mauritius fund to the shareholders will be exempt from Mauritius withholding tax.

Under the Mauritius treaty, capital gains, if any, that the Mauritius fund realizes on transfer of investments in Indian securities would not be liable to tax in India so long as the Mauritius fund does not have a permanent establishment in India to

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London which its investment holdings may be attributed.

Accordingly, based on the Mauritius treaty, the Mauritius fund should be exempt from paying tax in India on capital gains realized on the transfer of investments in Indian securities. The Mauritius treaty has always been and continues to be a subject of controversy. While the Supreme Court of India in Azadi Bachao Andolan & Anr 263 ITR 706 has upheld the use of Mauritius to invest into India, nevertheless, media reports bring up news items which suggest further challenges in investing though Mauritius. Mauritius has also tightened its tax residency requirements and formulated strict anti-money laundering laws. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) signed between India and Mauritius provides for effective exchange of information in the detection of fraudulent market practices. Certain procedures have been established for effective exchange of information, both on request and on a voluntary basis, about suspicious securities dealings between the two countries. It should be noted that the intention behind the MOU is to track down transactions tainted by fraud and financial crime, not to target bona fide legitimate transactions.

Until, the two nations decide to re-negotiation Mauritius treaty, Mauritius shall continue to be a recommended and effective jurisdiction for inbound investments into India and shall continue to be the number one jurisdiction in providing Foreign Direct Investment in India.

Flexible set of guidelines for funds The Financial Services Commission (the “Commission”) has, since its coming into existence in 2001, developed a very flexible set of guidelines for the regulation of collective investment schemes in Mauritius, adopting what it considers “industry best practices” from various long established and well regarded jurisdictions. While this has, over ment funds fu unds the years, resulted in over 439 investment a having been incorporated in Mauritiuss and assets to grow in excess of US$43 billion, this trend iss set to e Securities Secu urities with the recent coming into force of the ecuritie es Act 2005 (the “Securities Act”), the Securities es Licensing Lice ensing (Licensing) Rules 2007 (the “Securities 07 (the e “FSA Rules”), the Financial Services Act 2007 Investm ment 2007”) and the Securities (Collective Investment gulatio ons Schemes and Closed-end Funds) Regulations 08”) 2008 (the “Securities Regulations 2008”) egislative providing a modern, comprehensive legislative ng up and and regulatory framework for the setting administration of funds in Mauritius.

Business Profile: Malcolm Moller 25

Regulation & compliance Any collective investment scheme or closedend fund (individually a “scheme” or collectively “schemes”) wishing to be approved, registered with, recognised and/or licensed by the Commission under the Securities Act must first, apply to the Commission for the authorisation as a collective investment scheme or closedend fund under the Securities Act in the manner set out in the Securities Regulations 2008 and obtain a Category 1 Global Business Licence (a “GBL1”) under the Financial Services Act 2007 (for global schemes). The business purpose of these schemes is making collective investment of funds in a portfolio of securities, or other financial assets, real property or non-financial assets, whose operation is based on the principle of diversification of risk for the benefit of Global Business Fund members. The present regulatory framework now allows collective investment schemes and closedend funds to be constituted, under Mauritius Law, as: (a) a company limited by shares; (b) a trust (including unit trusts); or (c) any other legal entity prescribed or approved by the Commission and may operate as: TAXATION All schemes are liable to pay Mauritius income tax at 15%, but the successful application of foreign tax credits can effectively reduce the rate to 3% or nil, in given circumstances. In addition, Schemes that are centrally controlled and managed and are tax resident in Mauritius may, upon written approval from the Commissioner of Income Tax, benefit from any one of over 33 Double Taxation Agreements.

There is no withholding tax on dividends, capital gains or interest, and no stamp duty leviable.

26 Senior Economist: Yousouf Ismael

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

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training, understand theories and be able to question key elements with the aim of bringing an objective judgement.

Last but not least, the economist should have a reliable information network to prevent any loophole.

oung, ambitious and relax, Yousouf Ismael adopts the positive attitude style in his life.

According to this doctor in Economics, attitude is the greatest asset one can have to succeed. Employed as a senior economist at the British American Investment for nearly one year, he does not hold his tongue when it comes to the economic crisis prevailing around the world and its repercussion in the Mauritian economy.

First of all, introduce yourself and tell us more about your professional life?

I am Yousouf Ismael and my passion is economics. I have done my tertiary education in England and completed my doctorate in 2002. I had the chance to acquire experience in different countries mainly in Europe, Asia and Africa. I came back to the island in 2007 and worked for one year with Minister Arvin Boolell as counsellor before joining DCDM Business School as lecturer. I am currently employed as the senior economist at the British American Investment.

Can you tell us more about the job of economist? And what are the qualities that a good economist should have?

The profession does not solely imply analysis of the economic situation of a country. It also comprises observation of different elements susceptible to affect the local and international markets and subsequently amend the company’s strategies. The economist is responsible of the allocation of resources, avoid natural, economic and technological risks so as to reduce deficit. In order to fulfil effectively their duties, economists should have a solid

What is your evaluation of the economic crisis prevailing in Mauritius?

Like you all know, everything started with the financial crisis in the United States which turned into an economic turmoil affecting different sectors of the economy. This mess created a lack of confidence among investors and consumers consequently affecting the employment sector.

Mauritius is not yet in the eye of recession. For such thing to happen, the country should register a deficit in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this is not case for the time being. But, some sectors especially those dependent on exports are being affected. Tourism, textile and clothing and finance have experienced a reduction in growth these last months. Since, there is a gap of six months between Mauritius and western countries in terms of economic effects, Mauritius has sufficient time to review its strategies in light with the stimulus package and dampen the effects. Yet, Mauritius will not be 100% safe because diversification was done only on the basis of sectors and not market which comprises mainly of European countries.

What are the measures taken by the British American Investment?

British American Investment is one of the Mauritian companies which promote diversification. BAI started in the insurance sector in 1960’s and later developed the leasing capital which is having a great success. The

ISSUE 5

Dr. Yousouf Ismael (Senior Economist of BAI)

“M “Mauritius has not diversified its markets enough…” it Portrait P • • • • • • • • •

Who is Yousouf Ismael: A friendly and warm person who aims at living a simple happy life with realistic ambitions.

How do your relatives describe you: Easy going.

Age: 38 years old.

Are you married and have children: Married and have two sons aged 9 and 6 years.

Your hobby: Reading books and magazines.

Favorite song: ‘What a wonderful world’ by Louis Amstrong.

Favorite book: Reader’s digest - Books of fact.

Motto: Have one chance to live, live it happily.

Any sport: Jogging - 3 times per week.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London company is now busy with a new project - Apollo hospital.

These investments in different sectors help us to be resilient and survive the crisis. It is in fact a school of thought to reassess the company’s strategies to be able to adapt to economic development and minimize risks.

What is your opinion regarding the stimulus package.

According to you, what other measures could have been considered in this package?

Firstly, I think that the stimulus package should have been applied earlier - at the beginning of the crisis.

Nevertheless, it is a good initiative from the government to implement these measures to slow down the effects of the turmoil. Preserving employment and increasing growth are the best ways to prevent an economic breakdown. However, I am quite skeptical regarding the injections of funds in the public sector - infrastructure.

It is obvious that imperative measures should have been taken to improve the road congestion which cost a lot of money to the state every day. But these measures will only be beneficial in the long run while emphasis should be made on short term projects. Thus, I would strongly suggest that parastatal bodies change their approach and adjust accordingly their services to client’s demand.

Furthermore, government should promote small and medium enterprises now as they will be a major asset in the near future.

Opinions differ when it comes to the length of the crisis. What do you think?

No economist can predict the duration of the recession.

Things will come back to normal only when banks start to lend money internationally and investors will invest massively again. Hopefully, no crisis is endless. There are some positive signs but no one can depend on them since at this very moment, everything is volatile. You can feel the continuous tension when it comes to changes likely to affect your confidence of the markets.

Lastly, do you think that Mauritius is enough marketed as golf destination worldwide?

According to me, Mauritius is not enough commercialized as a golf destination on the international market compared to other countries. It is a pity because we possess high quality golf courses which fulfill international norms. The golf sector will be affected by the crisis since most financial companies which usually sponsor international golf events are cutting costs. However, this situation will not hinder wealthy golfers - who lost some millions - from playing golf as it forms part of their lifestyle. The repeaters will continue to book. But it is

Senior Economist: Yousouf Ismael 27

important to market massively the destination during the crisis so that when good times are back, the sector will be able to recover quickly and harvest.

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eune, ambitieux et relax, Yousouf Ismael aborde la vie avec la positive attitude. Ce docteur en économie ne cache pas sa passion pour son métier. Le Senior Economist, employé à la British American Investment depuis bientôt un an n’a pas non plus la langue dans sa poche. Averti et critique, il commente la crise économique actuelle et ses répercussions sur l’économie mauricienne.

D’abord présentez vous et dites nous brièvement votre parcours dans la vie professionnelle ?

Je suis Yousouf Ismael et ma passion c’est l’économie.

J’ai fait mes études tertiaires en Angleterre et en 2002, j’ai terminé mon doctorat en Economie. Par la suite, j’ai travaillé dans plusieurs pays d’Afrique, d’Asie et d’Europe dans le but d’acquérir un peu d’expérience. Ce n’est qu’en 2007, que j’ai fait mon come-back au pays. A mon retour, j’ai eu l’occasion de travailler au côté du Ministre Arvin Boolell pendant un an en tant que conseiller avant d’atterrir au DCDM Business School, l’actuel Charles Telfair Institute. Actuellement, j’occupe le poste de ‘Senior Economist’ au British American Investment.

En quoi consiste le travail d’un économiste ? Quels sont les atouts nécessaires que doivent avoir un bon économiste ?

Le métier d’économiste ne se cantonne pas uniquement à quelques analyses de la situation économique du pays, mais va bien au delà… Il consiste entre autres à observer tous les aspects de l’économie locale et mondiale afin de revoir et d’amender la stratégie de la compagnie. L’économiste a aussi pour tâche de distribuer équitablement les ressources de la compagnie afin d’éviter les risques naturels, économiques et technologiques et aussi amortir les pertes. Pour accomplir efficacement ses fonctions, l’économiste

28 Senior Economist: Yousouf Ismael

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

doit avoir une formation de base solide, comprendre les théories, questionner les éléments et apporter un jugement objectif. Sans compter que ce dernier doit avoir un réseau d’information fiable pour éviter des lacunes.

compagnie résiliente face à la crise. C’est une école de pensée que de revoir sa stratégie pour s’adapter à l’évolution de l’économie et ainsi minimiser les risques de pertes.

Quel est votre évaluation par rapport à la crise économique que Maurice fait face actuellement ?

Comme vous le savez, tout a commencé avec la crise financière qui s’est transformée en une crise économique affectant ainsi plusieurs secteurs clés. Ce chamboulement a provoqué une crise de confiance chez les investisseurs aussi bien que les consommateurs pour terminer par une crise de l’emploi.

Que pensez-vous du Stimulus Package, selon vous quelles sont les autres mesures qui auraient du être entreprises?

D’abord, je pense que l’application du stimulus package aurait dû être entreprise bien avant - soit dès le début de la crise. Néanmoins c’est une bonne initiative de la part du gouvernement de mettre en place des mesures pour ralentir ces effets. Préserver l’emploi et augmenter la croissance de l’économie sont des moyens efficaces pour empêcher le pays d’entrer dans cette phase.

Dans le cas de Maurice, une chose est sûre, c’est que le pays n’est pas encore en récession. Quand on parle de récession, techniquement cela veut dire qu’il y a eu une décroissance. Hors l’économie mauricienne n’a enregistré aucune croissance négative. Mais plusieurs secteurs commencent à sentir les effets de cette crise notamment le tourisme, le textile et l’habillement ainsi que les finances qui ont tous enregistré une baisse de croissance ces derniers mois. Le côté positif de la chose, c’est que Maurice ressent ces effets six mois après, ce qui l’offre suffisamment de temps pour revoir sa stratégie à travers le Stimulus package pour amortir les coups. Il est clair que Maurice ne sera pas épargné même si l’économie s’est beaucoup diversifiée durant ces dernières dix années. La raison est que l’état n’a pas diversifié le secteur de l’exportation qui est rivé principalement vers le marché européen.

Et qu’en est-il des mesures prises par la British American Investment ?

La British American Investment est l’une des compagnies mauriciennes qui a misé sur la diversification des marchés. La BAI a débuté dans les assurances dans les années 60, mais s’est développé dans le secteur du leasing capital et dans le domaine hospitalier avec l’hôpital Apollo qui a récemment ouvert ses portes. C’est entre autres ce qui rend la

Cependant, je reste sceptique par rapport au fond injecté dans le secteur public plus précisément dans l’amélioration de l’infrastructure. De toute évidence, ces mesures auraient dû être prises pour améliorer la congestion routière qui coûte des milliards de roupies par année à l’Etat. De plus, la rénovation de l’infrastructure publique apporte des bénéfices à long terme alors que l’emphase devrait être mise sur des stratégies à court terme. Je suggère de revoir l’approche des corps paraétatiques afin que leurs services soient plus adaptés aux clients. Et aussi de promouvoir les petites et moyennes entreprises qui selon moi, seront un atout majeur lors de la relance.

Les avis sont divergés en ce qui concerne la durée de cette crise. Qu’en pensez-vous ?

Aucun économiste ne peut prédire la durée de la récession. Les choses se rétabliront à mon avis, le jour où les banques seront assez confiantes pour prêter de l’argent aux compagnies internationales et les investisseurs recommenceront à investir massivement.

Heureusement qu’aucune crise n’est éternelle. Il y a certes des signes positives, mais pas forcément fiable dans la mesure que tout est volatile; un jour ça va, le lendemain ça ne va plus. La tension est palpable face aux changements susceptible d’affecter la confiance.

Pour terminer, pensez-vous que Maurice est suffisamment vendu comme une destination golfique par les autorités concernées ?

Selon moi, Maurice n’est pas assez commercialisé comme destination golfique sur le marché mondial.

Je trouve que c’est dommage puisque nous avons de magnifiques parcours qui répondent aux normes internationales. La crise économique affecte le secteur de golf pour la simple raison que les compagnies financières sont généralement celles qui sponsorisent les tournois.

Mais cela n’empêchera pas aux golfeurs milliardaires, dépourvus de quelques millions de changer son style de vie et d’arrêter de jouer au golf. Les habitués continueront à venir. En cette période noire, il faut mettre les bouchées doubles, organiser des événements internationaux, entamer un marketing agressif afin que la relance soit aussi le temps des récoltes.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Fund Management: Harry Dutson 29

Harry Dutson

Chief Executive of AFM

What does Acorn Fund Management (AFM) do?

AFM essentially works towards the needs of two sets of clients allowing them to connect together to provide a solution for both parties. AFM does this by providing the framework for experienced entrepreneurs to attract investment for their projects and, at the same time, this allows AFM to offer alternative investment opportunities suitable for pension fund investment (UK only) or individuals (worldwide) making direct investments. As an appointed representative of a Financial Services Authority authorised and regulated company in the UK, AFM ensures that the best interests of the Investors are taken care of.

What is AFM’s background?

AFM started life as part of the corporate finance firm, Acorn Corporate Finance, which was involved in fund operations as early as 2003. Over the past six years, as AFM’s experience in the fund operation/ management field developed and as the fund management business grew, it become evident that this part of the business was so successful that it deserved its own company. For this reason AFM was established earlier this year.

What experience does the AFM team have?

AFM’s team encompasses professionals with experience in fundraising, compliance, corporate finance and tax advice.

AFM’s Chief Executive, Harry Dutson, has over 25 years experience in the funding and support of new companies. He previously ran a corporate venturing fund for Ferranti International plc and was the key person at Acorn Corporate Finance, developing the fund management business, which evolved into AFM. Harry is an expert in advising on fundraising and regulatory issues.

Harry is supported by a strong team including a compliance professional with over 20 years experience in the financial markets arena, a corporate finance professional with 35 years experience and a tax expert who spent 27 years working for the Inland Revenue in the UK before establishing his own specialist consultancy.

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eliable, professional and versatile... these are some of the qualifications used to describe Acorn Fund Management. The company in fact, offers a variety of investment opportunities suitable for pension funds, high net worth individuals, sophisticated investors and so forth. Those who called upon the expertise of the British company are provided with valuable and independent financial advice before investing in these opportunities. Five years ago, the Acorn Fund Management has established the Mauritian Capital fund. A real opportunity that AFM’s management has decided to seize with the rapid growth of the property sectors in Mauritius. In an exclusive interview devoted to Swingtime Magazine, Harry Dutson, chief executive of AFM explains why Mauritius has been chosen as one of his main hub for international investment.

“Mauritian projects provide a more reliable alternative to stock market investments...”

30 Fund Management: Harry Dutson

Why does AFM want to be involved in projects based in Mauritius?

AFM believes that Mauritius has immense investment potential for a number of reasons. There has been considerable growth in the tourism and services industries, which is already attracting foreign investment. The tax structure in the country is very appealing to foreign investors as are the advantages of the Integrated Resort Scheme and Real Estate Scheme. As the Mauritian government is targeting to bring 2 million tourists per annum to the island by 2015, it opens up the development potential for hotels and increases the requirement for hospitability, leisure and recreational facilities. These development projects will provide the type of investment vehicles that AFM specialises in. AFM already has one Mauritian project underway, which is seeking investment in order to purchase a range of residential and commercial properties on the island.

How will AFM structure any Mauritian investment products?

Any future products will be structured in a similar way to the existing funds. AFM will arrange for a limited partnership to be set up to accept the investment monies and will also set up a unit trust to accept monies from UK pension fund investors. This structure is appealing to UK investors as it provides a tax efficient way to invest. The limited partnership structure also allows for investment from individuals in other countries increasing the fundraising potential.

Why does AFM believe that projects offering investment in Mauritius will work?

AFM believes there is considerable potential for development in Mauritius due to the growth in the tourism and services industries. Particularly in the current economic climate, investors are looking for investment products that are less volatile than the

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Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London stock markets and that provide a steady income. For example, AFM’s current Mauritian project is seeking to provide investors with a 4% income per annum for 5 years, as well as 60% of any profits when the fund is wound up. With the growth potential in Mauritius, investors should see the benefits of an investment in Mauritian projects, which will hopefully provide a more reliable alternative to stock market investments.

In addition, AFM has already been attracting substantial interest in “overseas investment” products for another of its clients, Eurocape Property Finance, which uses the investment monies to make secured loans to social housing property developers in South Africa. AFM knows the appetite is there for alternative investments such as this as Eurocape already has three successful funds in operation and a fourth has just been launched.

AFM appears to be focused on niche products, why is that?

AFM’s interest in alternative investment products stems from the growing appetite of investors to move away from traditional investment products and incorporate products that are not correlated to the stock market. The recent instability of the stock markets and housing markets and the significant decrease in the Bank of England base rate has dented investors’ confidence in these areas and has prompted them to diversify their portfolios.

Additionally, the availability of traditional funding for these niche products is limited, which provides a gap in the market for AFM tto step into.

arry Dutson is the man behind the success of o Acorn Fund Management. Expert in advising on fundraising siing and regulatory issues, he counts more than 25 years experience riience in this sector which consists of fundraising, compliance, corporate o orate finance and tax advice. In fact, the chief executive of AFM builtt a strong reputation in the financial arena. Previously managing a corporate venturing fund for Ferranti international Plc, he was the e key person at Acorn Corporate Finance developing the fund d management business, which evolved into AFM. Harry is supported by a strong team including a compliance professional with over 20 years experience in the financial markets arena, a corporate finance professional with 35 years experience and a tax expert who spent 27 years working for the Inland Revenue in the UK before establishing his own specialist consultancy.

32 Oem recruitment

Recrutement: l’impact sur la récession

L Recruitment: Impact of the Recession

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ecruitment of skills has never been more challenging now, compared to two years ago. As a recruitment specialist I have found, with my experience with companies, Talent Acquisition Managers and Recruitment Agencies had to become more aggressive, cut-throat and uncompromising with their recruitment strategy, and align it with the affects, the economic crisis has had on their business. It is about staying in survival mode for most businesses. I am sure this would be the same for other companies in the world, who have been affected by the recession. Before the recession, the demand by companies for specific skills has been greater due to the good economic conditions. Acquiring of skills was a direct result of the growth of businesses, which allowed Human Resources professionals to prepare a tangible recruitment plan. However, I am not quite sure companies were prepared for this economic downturn, hence the reason why a recruitment strategy which addresses an economic decline, is not always considered.

The impact of the recession, has affected the job market, where thousands of people have been retrenched, businesses had to close and others had to restructure, in order to sustain the economic pressure. This may be seen as an opportunity to many Talent Acquisition Managers and recruitment agencies, since there would be a greater talent pool of skills available in the market place. Maybe....perhaps more so if we have not found ourselves in the economic downturn and if companies were not cutting back on their recruitment programme. The recruitment of essential skills has become a priority. Human Resource Managers have tightened up the recruitment budget, in order to financially sustain itself, without compromising on productivity and the efficiency of the business. This evidently has also affected recruitment agencies, where vacancies have dropped substantially and placement of candidates per month has drastically dropped below their average placement ratio.

e recrutement de compétences n’a jamais été aussi complexe que depuis ces deux dernières années. En tant que spécialiste du recrutement, j’ai remarqué, de par mon expérience au niveau des entreprises, à quel point les recruteurs de talents et les agences de recrutement doivent aujourd’hui se montrer plus agressifs , se livrer à une compétition féroce et sans compromis avec leur stratégie de recrutement et réagir en conséquence face aux effets de la crise économique sur leurs activités.

Pour beaucoup d’entreprises , il s’agit de demeurer en mode de survive. Je suis sûr que c’est le cas pour la majorité d’entreprises dans le monde, qui ont été affectées par cette récession. Avant la crise, la demande des entreprises pour des compétences spécifiques a connu une hausse en raison des meilleures conditions économiques qui prévalaient. Le recours à des compétences était directement lié à la croissance des entreprises, cela a permis aux professionnels de ressources humaines de préparer un plan cohérent de recrutement. Cependant, je ne suis pas sûr que les entreprises s’étaient préparées à faire face à ce ralentissement économique, ce qui explique pourquoi elles n’adoptent pas nécessairement une stratégie de recrutement qui répond à un déclin économique.

L’impact de la récession a affecté la marché de l’emploi où des milliers de personnes ont été mises à pied, des entreprises ont dû fermer leurs portes et d’autres se sont vues contraintes de se restructurer afin de résister à la récession. Une telle situation pourrait s’avérer comme une opportunité pour des Recruteurs de Talents et des agences de recrutements car il y aurait eu un plus grand réservoir de talents sur le marché. Peut-être mieux si nous nous ne sommes retrouvés plongés dans cette crise économique mondiale et si les compagnies n’ont pas sacrifié leur programme de recrutement.

L e recrutement de compétences essentielles est devenu une priorité aujourd’hui. Les directeurs de ressources humaines ont resserré le budget de recrutement afin de pouvoir le soutenir financièrement dans le temps, sans compromettre la productivité et l’efficience de l’entreprise.

Ce qui a évidemment affecté les agences de recrutement, où les vacances dans les entreprises ont chuté lourdement alors même que les stages de candidats par mois ont baissé en dessous de la moyenne.

Les recruteurs de talents et les agences de recrutement sont contraints de développer des stratégies de recrutement novatrices pour devenir plus efficaces et proactives dans le contexte économique actuel. Malgré le fait que le marché est sursaturé avec des gens de talents, la clé est de pouvoir détecter ceux qui sont

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London Talent Acquisition Managers and Recruitment Agencies are forced to develop almost ground breaking recruitment strategies to become more efficient under this economic strain. Although the market is over saturated with skills, the key is to effectively be able to screen the most highly employable and skilled resources, who has the right skills fit. So what are some corporate company’s and recruitment agencies doing, to retain skills and to attract skilled talent seekers?

The talent pool database is one of the most useful tools used to research or obtain a skills match and is most commonly used by both Human Resources Managers and recruitment agencies. Human Resources Managers are advertising and recruiting internally, as part of recruitment cost saving drive, through in-house websites and online job websites. Head hunting scarce skills is another approach used, since it is normally the highly skilled individuals that are less active in the job market and are quite happy where they are. The traditional way still exist where job vacancies are referred to friends or family (word of mouth) that are in the market for a job.

Although Talent Acquisition Managers have restricted their budget, recruitment agencies are still being seen as a value adding resource.

Advertising, on somewhat limited on-line job websites, has resulted in the same candidates being referred by recruitment agencies, to companies or same candidates applying directly to the company. It is therefore critical that recruitment agencies become highly resourceful, more innovative and have a quick-thinking recruitment approach, in order to refer right calibre candidates to a company, within the shortest possible time.

Despite the recession, there are still companies who have not been affected by the economic downturn and it is business as usual. In saying this, recruitment is still an essential human resources function and business requirement.

After all, your business is about people. The employment challenges we are facing should be seen as an opportunity to arm ourselves with bullet proof, innovative, value adding recruitment tactics, in order to seek & maintain sustainability in an economic crisis.

potentiellement plus employables et compétents. Alors, que font actuellement les entreprises et les agences de recrutement pour retenir les compétences rares et attirer les chercheurs d’emplois talentueux ? La base de données sur les ressources humaines est un outil important, utilisé par les directeurs des ressources humaines et des agences de recrutements, pour rechercher ou obtenir que les compétences identifiées soient en adéquation avec les besoins de l’entreprise. Les gestionnaires de ressources humaines font des publicités et recrutent en interne, une manière d’économiser les coûts liés aux recrutements, et ce par le biais des portails électroniques des compagnies et ceux des emplois en ligne. Les chasseurs de tête pour des talents rares est une autre approche utilisée dans la mesure où ce sont des individus peu actifs sur le marché de l’emploi et visiblement heureux quant ils le sont.

Il y a certes la façon traditionnelle que existe toujours où les postes vacants sont communiqués aux amis ou aux familles qui sont à la recherche d’un emploi. Malgré le fait que les recruteurs de talents ont réduit leur budget, les agences sont toujours perçues comme étant un maillon important dans cette chaîne de valeurs au sein d’une entreprise. La publicité, portant sur les portails relatifs aux emplois, a permis aux mêmes candidats recommandés par les agences et qui sont recherchés aujourd’hui par les compagnies. En conséquence, il est important que les agences de recrutement soient mieux équipées, deviennent plus imaginatives et disposent d’une stratégie rapide par rapport à une nouvelle approche aux recrutements afin de recommander des candidats de calibre à des compagnies dans les plus brefs délais.

En dépit de la récession, il y a encore des compagnies qui n’ont pas été touchées par le ralentissement économique et qui opèrent en toute sérénité. Cela étant dit, le recrutement demeure une fonction clé au niveau de ressources humaines. Il est aussi une des exigences de compagnies. Après tout, votre entreprise est centrée autour des gens. Les plus grands défis de l’emploi, auxquels nous sommes tous confrontés, doivent être vus comme une opportunité pour bien s’armer avec des preuves, d’innovation et des tactiques afin de rechercher, voire pérenniser l’emploi dans une période de crise.

Il est évident qu’on ne doit pas arrêter la planification, soit toujours préparé, être compétitif et d’avoir d’excellentes stratégies de recrutement, même dans une conjoncture économique favorable.

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One should never stop planning, always be prepared, be competitive and have excellent recruitment strategies in place...., even in good economic times.

Oem recruitment 33

Swingtime Exclusive

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Swingtime in conversation with

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

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hris de Burgh is a singer, songwriter and performer with a legendary 35 year career. His music and talent has captured the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide and to this day continues to do so.

SWINGTIME sat down with him in an exclusive conversation at the One and Only, St. Geran, and spoke about music, life and golf.

RG: I believe that you play golf?

CdB: I have to tell you that I am an occasional golfer. I used to play a lot of golf. I have played, I suppose for about 30 years, but the last 4 or 5 years I have been so busy and finding the time to play has been difficult. I am a member of the K Club where they have the Ryder cup and a member of Druids where they also have some major P.G.A championships.

Of course, the thing about the game is that golf is a cruel mistress. I have got down to a handicap of 16, which is pretty pathetic, but if I worked harder I could drop down to 12. I don’t hit a long distance, but I’m pretty straight and I have developed my short game. I have played quite a few PRO-AMs and made many friends who are professional golfers like Nick Faldo and Chris O’Connor and many more.

Swingtime Exclusive 35

digital information. So you worked your craft from the bottom up. The people who have survived, the people who I know in my business like Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel and Elton John, they all have one thing in common: we all learned our trade from the bottom up and that is what helps you with longevity. Back in the early days it was tough.

I remember I was the opening act for Peter Frampton and Eddie Money. I had loads of time and my band all played a bit of golf. So we would turn up in the first town, straight from the airplane or the bus and find the nearest municipal golf course and play. And I have to say, I was pretty bad, but I eventually got the knack of it. In fact I really got into it. There is nothing like hitting a great shot.

I remember Chris O’Connor telling me that you’re not supposed to be good at golf. But if you hit a

I also ran a charity golf competition for 10 years. It was to raise money for handicapped children, particularly for those in Ireland. Over the 10 years we raised about a million pounds.

I stopped doing it about 8 years ago, but back then it was a considerable amount of money.

We got many top people coming in to support the event including Football players, and again, I made a lot of friends.

by Rob Greeff

ISSUE 8

RG: When and how did you start playing golf?

CdB: I started playing when I was on tour in America. That would have been in the late 70’s.

I had a Canadian band and we were trying to “break”. I’ve had a 35 year career, and you have to remember that those were the days before the internet, before X-Factor or Pop Idol, before

36 Swingtime Exclusive

good shot, celebrate it. If you have a bad shot, then don’t worry about it. Just move on. And that is great advice. Advice for life I think.

RG: I’ve been told by many golfers what really matters is how you finish the game. I’m sure you can draw a parallel to the song writing process?

CdB: Absolutely. There are many hits and misses in both golf and song writing.

It makes me think of the Ryder Cup of 1991 and 1993. I was invited by the P.G.A to perform at the dinner which precedes the Wednesday event. I got to meet loads of people. And the Americans particularly, were good fun with the likes of Tom Watson.

I wrote a song specifically for the performance, a little made up story about how the Americans and Europeans battled, and it was called “The ballad of the Ryder Cup”. In the song, the last night before the final day, the Americans are forging ahead, and they were taken to a night club, where the flower of English womanhood basically kept them up till 6 in the morning. By the time they stood on the first Tee, they could hardly hit a shot!

The game in my imagination comes down to the 18th hole. It’s a drive across the water, followed by another. Ballesteros hits his drive and his second shot goes in the bunker. Watson plays his first and with his second slightly to the right, looks like he is going to win it for America. But Ballesteros gets his sand wedge out and it goes straight into the hole for a 3. It was a very funny song, and of course when I sang it, the European team went nuts, so I had great fun.

Payne Stewart, who died in that tragic plane accident, he was great fun too. He played a good harmonica; I played the piano, so I got very close to these guys.

RG: Stories like these are very indicative of the camaraderie displayed by golf. It’s a fraternity of sorts. Of course, it also has a philosophy and a code of ethics that permeates every aspect of the game, providing many lessons.

CdB: Indeed. I have learnt a few lessons myself talking to professional golfers. One of which is playing the hole backwards. It took me a while to understand it. You’ve got a par 5 or a par 4; you play it backwards when approaching the green.

I’m sure that not all golfers play that particular way, but what impressed me about it was that you can apply it to many things in life. It’s not just about the journey getting to some place.

When you want to achieve something, you work

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London backwards and you are able to see how to get to that particular point.

RG: How long have you been coming to the One and Only at St. Geran?

CdB: I’ve been coming here for about 16 years.

RG: So this is almost like a second home?

CdB: Oh yes! I absolutely love it. As do my children. My 2 sons are now 21 and 19 years old and they love coming here, it’s very much a second home to them. Round about August we start talking about St. Geran and where will be for Christmas. I’ve made many good friends here too. I think it’s a stunning hotel. Marvelous actually. I don’t want to tell too many people about it, but I will. I feel like I’m a bit of an ambassador for the hotel as I’ve turned so many people on to it.

I’ve played a bit of golf here too, on the 9-hole, The Gary Player course, who so famously remarked when told that he was lucky on the greens; “The harder I practice, the luckier I seem to get”. A notion that I love. I played the 9-hole with my son Mike the other day. He has a beautiful swing but with a few things he needs to correct. But by and large, with a swing like that he will make a good golfer should he pursue it.

We both got sets of Callaway’s from the Proshop. I haven’t played for 5 months, and after I got into my rhythm I was having a great time, so I had to buy those clubs , and I tell you what I was thrilled with myself.

RG: Have you had those “brilliant “golfing moments that took your breath away, after rising up to the challenge?

CdB: Absolutely! I am challenged by the game of golf every time I go on the greens. I played a course in Madrid once. I was on an elevated section after having to carry a bunker and the green was away from me. I’d practiced this trick shot in my garden, of cutting underneath the ball, taking it really high and landing on a back spin.

And, as golf does, the moment presented itself. I followed through and the ball landed virtually in the hole. I wished someone had seen that shot.

RG: How does playing golf in front of a crowd compare to singing in front of a crowd?

CdB: It’s funny. I can play my music in front of a 150 thousand people, but playing golf in front of one person I tend to freeze up.

There was this one time in Scotland, the opening of the Kings Course at Glen Eagles, a

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

very serious occasion. Prince Andrew was there in front of me, I was playing with Jim Kelly, a football legend and there was a thousand people on the 1st tee. The first 2 guys hit the ball into the crowd and I was worried. The Scottish caddy I had handed me a 5 iron and said something I barely understood, but I gave it a good wack and the ball disappeared. I got up to the hole and there was quite a crowd waiting. There were 2 balls. One on the edge and one near the hole. I of course went to the one on the edge. To which the caddy said that’s not yours, yours is over there and pointed to the one near the hole. I said he’s got to be kidding! Needless to say I birdied on the 1st and that was a euphoric moment, particularly in front of a cheering group of people. Of course it never got as good as that again.

RG: With all that you have achieved, success and accolades, do you have some advice for the talented youngsters in Swingtime’s Adopt-AGolfer Program?

CdB: Yes. I read about them in the Swingtime Magazine. In my career and I suspect it’s the same in golf, you have to be a bit like a boxer.

You have to absorb the blows that come your way. You have to be able to get up again and again. It’s a career built on disappointment. Not everything will go your way every time.

There will be trials and tribulations, but they

Swingtime Exclusive

have to accept that they have to learn their “trade”. Success will not necessarily come instantly, and it’s unfortunate that we live in world based on instant gratification and where everyone expects instant success.

I read an interesting book recently, based on the people like Bill Gates, David Beckham and Tiger Woods. It is the writer’s contention that it takes 10 years to actually be on the brink of success.

It’s hard work on the way to success, and I agree very much with that. It was just before Christmas, that I was in London with my daughter, she was an ex Miss World 2003, and we were at X-Factor, An English talent show. There I met Paul McCarthy, my hero and idol. He was very charming to me. He said that he felt like he has known me for years through my music even though we haven’t met. I went to see his show which was amazing. I reflected on the book, in that he and the Beatles played more than 150 shows in Liverpool then they went to Hamburg, and then they went into the recording studio, and that is why the 1st album they recorded took one day.

These days that is inconceivable, but for the adopt-A-golfers, if you put in the hard work and make the sacrifices, then maybe, just maybe you will emerge ahead of the pack.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Profile: Andreas Spieckerhoff 39

ANDREAS SPIECKERHOFF SPIECKERHOFF ANDREAS

D

uring Swingtime, The business of Golf’s visit to Switzerland, we met many interesting personalities.

These included German golf pro, golf coach and founder of Team-Spieckerhoff Indoor Golf Academy: Andreas Spieckerhoff, whom we spoke to at the Alegra Hotel in Bern, the day after the 1st Bern Golf Trophy hosted by the Swiss Invest Group.

Andreas Spiekerhoff is a soft spoken golfer with an affable demeanour and it is easily understood how this translates into the success of his trainees at the golf academy.

RG: How did you come to the sport of golf?

AS: There was a golf course near the house I lived in as a child. Dortmund, the biggest town west of Germany had a 9-hole course, which I visited often. My two brothers Jurgen and Martin are also professional golfers, so golf was always something the whole family was interested in and this spurred on my pursuit of the sport.

RG: Give us a window into your career as a pro golfer.

AS: It has been a journey of many varied experiences. From 1978 to 1986, I was an amateur with a handicap of one, then I went on to be a trainee at Golf Club Dusseldorf, became a German apprentice-master in 1987 and from 1989 to 1995 was a professional at Golf Club Bad Neuenahr. In the early days of my career I also played with Bernard Langer. Of course if you want to play golf professionally you need the financial support of sponsors and teaching eventually became a focus for me. As the head professional at Golf Club Celle, I received an award for the best youth of Germany in 1996 and went on to establish the golf school team

in Spieckerhoff Clarenhof Good with a total of six teachers. This was furthered by establishing an indoor golf facility in Glessen. This was done whilst I engaged in single and youth training at Golf Clubs Velderhof, Duren and Fliess’s old Fliesteden. During 2004 I introduced a new indoor golf concept which included over 1000m² in Langenfeld, integrating its own golf academy. Through my training I am pleased to account for two German championships with golf star Valerie Beck, who plays in the A-Squad of the German national team. Currently I helm the training of 15 players who play in the National cadres of the DGV. The highlight of my own professional golf includes winning the 1989 German Championship, where I also scored my first hole in one!

RG: Would you acquaint us with your indoor golf academy in Germany?

AS: The weather in Germany is not always great for golfers. Summers tend to be short and our winters are pretty much covered by snow, when it’s not raining. Consequently, many golfers travel to sunnier climes like Mauritius, Spain or South Africa. Of course, by having an academy one has to function

40 Profile: Andreas Spieckerhoff

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

like a school and be open year round, hence the founding of the indoor golf academy.

We endeavour to create an atmosphere that is comfortable, exciting to play and we provide the optimal space for learning. Our facilities are housed in an area of over 1,000 m² and include 12 tees, chip and pitch area for a short game, bunker, 100 square-foot putting green, high-tech video analysis equipment, high-tech golf simulators, putting machine, shot controller, club fitting, a fully equipped pro shop that stocks the latest clubs, woods, bags, shoes, clothing and accessories.

students have gone on to compete on the EPD Challenge Tour. Benjamin Wittke is one of our students who are generating some excitement. He is currently playing for team Germany and after starting to play a year ago is ranked nº 15 in Germany. We anticipate that he will be playing on the European Tour within two years. Important to note is that Challenge Tour player Nicolas Meitinger and Dennis Küpper train and prepare at the indoor academy, giving youngsters the chance to observe good form and habits which they carry on in their own training.

Not only do we create a full golfing experience but we also offer a comprehensive training syllabus that takes a player to his or her handicap and covers all the fundamentals of pitching, chipping, bunker and putting within the context of short and long games. A further understanding of your driver, woods and long irons enhances the attaining of the longest drive. In addendum, the basics, as well as a deeper understanding of the rules of golf, are also provided. To further ensure a player’s success through our program, mental training, individually tailored to personal needs with training and competitive monitoring, is provided by experienced mental coach John Krost.

RG: You played with our Swingtime AdoptA-Golfer Mourad Bundhoo, winner of the 1st Bern Trophy. What did you think of his performance?

Golf and fitness go hand in hand, and this particular aspect is covered in our fitness centre under the direction of Corinne Fenneker who delves into nutrition, fitness and body analysis as per individual needs of our clients.

With our team of experts and our delivery of excellence to the training of amateurs as well professional golfers, we are the only indoor academy in Germany to be PGA registered.

RG: Tell us about your students competing professionally.

AS: We started about 10 years ago with the inclusion of many girls. Quite a few of our

AS: I had a wonderful time playing with this young man. The Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program is a fantastic concept and it is very evident that it is producing exciting results.

Mourad has an outstanding career ahead of him. Of course he has much to work on, but with the correct attitude and discipline I am assured he will achieve his goal of playing professionally internationally. The Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program is definitely the way forward in facilitating young talented disadvantaged Mauritian golfers to pursue a professional career in golf.

RG: This brings me to the following question: what are your thoughts on the understanding that golf is a sport for the elite and wealthy?

AS: (laughs) That may have been the case for several years, but with so many young people taking an interest in the sport, together with golf growing the most among amateurs, I believe we need to see more public courses that are accessible to the people, especially from a financial point of view. It is a wonderful activity to participate in. Above all, golf is a very rewarding experience and everyone should have the opportunity to play.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

W

ir von Swingtime, The Business of Golf trafen während unseres Aufenthalts in der Schweiz auf viele interessante Persönlichkeiten, so auch auf den deutschen Golf-Profi, Golftrainer und Gründer der Team-Spieckerhoff Indoor Golf Akademie: Andreas Spieckerhoff. Einen Tag nach der 1. Berner Golf Trophy (Veranstalter: Swiss Invest Group) setzten wir uns mit Andreas Spieckerhoff im Hotel Alegra in Bern zusammen.

Andreas Spieckerhoff ist ein angenehmer Gesprächspartner, freundlich und umgänglich und man versteht schnell wie sich dies auf den Erfolg seiner Nachwuchsspieler uebertraegt.

RG: Wie sind Sie zum Golf gekommen?

AS: In der Nähe meines Elternhauses war ein Golfplatz. In Dortmund, der größten Stadt im westlichen Teil Deutschlands gab es einen 9 Loch Golfplatz, wo ich mich oft aufhielt. Meine beiden Brüder Jürgen und Martin sind ebenfalls professionelle Golfer.

Die ganze Familie war immer am Golfsport interessiert und das war letztendlich auch der Ansporn, mich intensiv mit diesem Sport zu beschäftigen.

RG: Geben Sie uns einen Einblick in Ihre Karriere als Golfprofi.

AS: Das war eine erlebnisreiche Zeit mit vielen Erfahrungen. Von 1978 bis 1986 spielte ich als Amateur mit Handicap 1, spielte dann als Auszubildender im Golfclub Düsseldorf, 1987 wurde ich Deutscher Auszubildenden-Meister und von 1989 bis 1995 arbeitete ich als Golflehrer im Golfclub Bad Neuenahr. Ganz am Anfang meiner Karriere spielte ich sogar mit Bernard Langer. Wenn Sie als professioneller Golfer Karriere machen möchten, sind Sie auf finanzielle Unterstützung diverser Sponsoren angewiesen, deshalb wurde das Ausbilden eines meiner Hauptziele. Als Parallel Headpro des Golfclubs Celle wurde ich 1996 für die beste Jugendarbeit Deutschlands

Profile: Andreas Spieckerhoff 41

ausgezeichnet und begann während dieser Zeit mit dem Aufbau der Golfschule Team Spieckerhoff in der Golfanlage Gut Clarenhof.

Wir starteten mit 6 Lehrern. Danach kümmerte ich mich um den Aufbau einer Golfhalle in Glessen. Während dieser Zeit war ich auch als Einzel - und Jugendtrainer in den Clubs Velderhof, Duren und Am alten Fliess/ Fliesteden tätig. 2004 stellte ich mein neues Indoor Golfkonzept auf über 1000 m2 mit eigener Golfakademie in Langenfeld vor. Ich trainierte Golfstar Valerie Sternebeck, die im A-Kader der deutschen Nationalmannschaft spielt und wir gewannen 2 deutsche Meisterschaften. Momentan betreue ich 15 Golfer, die in Nationalkadern des DGV (Deutscher Golfverband) spielen. Der Höhepunkt meiner eigenen professionellen Golfkarriere war der Sieg der deutschen Meisterschaft 1989. Damals spielte ich auch mein erstes Hole in One. RG: Berichten Sie ein wenig über Ihre Indoor Golfakademie in Deutschland AS: Gerne. Das deutsche Wetter ist oft nicht so ideal zum Golfspielen. Unsere Sommer sind relativ kurz und im Winter ist meist alles mit Schnee bedeckt oder es regnet. Deshalb reisen viele Golfer in sonnige, warme Gefilde wie Mauritius, Spanien oder Südafrika. Da man als Golfakademie, genau wie andere Schulen, ganzjährig funktionieren muss, hatte ich die Idee, eine Indoor Golfakadmie zu gründen.

Uns ist wichtig, eine gemütliche Atmosphäre zu schaffen, sodass es wirklich Spaß macht hier zu spielen und man genügend Platz zum Lernen hat. Zu unseren Einrichtungen gehören 12 Abschlagplätze, ein Chip - und Pitch Areal für kurzes Spiel, Bunker, ein 100 m2 großes Putting Green, HightechVideanalysegeräte, HochleistungsGolfsimulatoren, Puttmaschine, Shotcontroller und natürlich ein erstklassig ausgestatteter Golfproshop. Hier finden Sie die neuesten Schläger, Hölzer, Golfbags, Schuhe, Bekleidung und sonstiges Zubehör.

Wir schaffen nicht nur die Voraussetzung

42 Profile: Andreas Spieckerhoff

für Golferlebnisse sondern wir bieten auch umfassende Trainingslehrpläne zur Verbesserung des Handicaps, wie Pitching, Chipping, Bunker und Putting für Ihr kurzes und langes Spiel. Ein besseres Verständnis für die verschiedenen Schlägerarten wie Driver und andere Hölzer sowie lange Eisen verbessert Ihren Drive ungemein. Nicht nur die Grundkenntnisse werden vermittelt sondern auch ein tieferes, umfassendes Verständnis für den Golfsport. Um Ihren Erfolg durch unsere Programme noch zu steigern, empfehlen wir gezieltes, individuelles Mentaltraining mit unserem erfahrenen Mentaltrainer John Krost, der Sie auch während des Trainings und auf Turniere begleitet.

Golf und Fitness gehen Hand in Hand und in unserem Fitness Center, unter der Leitung von Corinne Fenneker, werden Sie ganz individuell über Ernährung, Fitness und Körperanalyse beraten.

Die Indoor-Golfanlage ist die einzige zertifizierte PGA Golfschule Deutschlands und mit unserem Expertenteam werden wir sowohl Amateur- wie auch professionellen Golfspielern gerecht.

RG: Erzählen Sie uns etwas über die Wettkämpfe Ihrer Schüler AS: Vor ca. 10 Jahren nahmen wir viele Mädchen auf. Etliche unserer Schüler spielten bei der EPD Tour. Benjamin Wittke ist einer unserer Nachwuchsspieler, der für Spannung sorgt. Er golft seit einem Jahr im Nationalteam und ist die Nummer 15 in Deutschland. Wir gehen davon aus, dass er innerhalb der nächsten 2 Jahre an der European Tour teilnehmen wird. Wir schätzen uns glücklich darüber, das die beiden Challenge Tour Spieler Nicolas Meitinger und Dennis Küpper ihr Training bei uns

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

absolvieren. Davon können die jüngeren Spieler profitieren, viel über gute Form und Gewohnheiten lernen und dies dann in ihr eigenes Training einbauen.

RG: Sie spielten mit unserem Swingtime Adopt-a-Golfer Mourad Bundhoo, Gewinner der 1. Bern Trophy. Wie beurteilen Sie seine Leistung?

AS: Es war wunderbar mit diesem jungen Mann zu spielen. Das Swingtime Adopt-aGolfer Konzept ist phantastisch und ganz offensichtlich hat es einige hervorragende Erfolge aufzuweisen. Mourad steht am Anfang einer großen Karriere. Natürlich liegt noch viel Arbeit vor ihm, aber ich bin mir sicher, dass er mit der richtigen Einstellung und Disziplin seine Ziele erreichen und als Profi international spielen wird. Das Swingtime Adopt-a-Golfer Programm ist für junge mauritische Talente aus sozial benachteiligten Verhältnissen eine echte Chance um eines Tages eine professionelle Golflaufbahn einschlagen zu können.

RG: Dazu habe ich gleich eine Frage. Golf als Sport für die Elite und Reichen – wie sehen Sie das?

AS: (lacht). Das war auch tatsächlich über eine lange Zeit der Fall. Mittlerweile interessieren sich aber viele junge Leute für den Golfsport und die Zahl der Amateure wächst schnell. Deshalb denke ich, dass wir für mehr öffentliche Golfeinrichtungen sorgen müssen um möglichst vielen interessierten Menschen Zugang zu schaffen. Auch in finanzieller Hinsicht. Golf ist eine wirklich schöne, angenehme Aktivität und es sollte jeder die Möglichkeit haben, diesen Sport ausüben zu können.

“ensuring success for our youth�

The Ruth Linder Peter Foundation changes the lives of children around the world, by feeding, clothing and sending the poorest of the poor to school. Impoverished children, very often orphaned, without any resources or opportunity are given the chance to blossom and grow into active, happy and healthy individuals who are capable of giving back to their society.

ruth-linder@bluewin.ch

Club C lub FFitter itter EExtraordinaire: xtraordinaire: R Ralph alph G Gurtner urtner

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by Rob Greeff

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Club Fitter Extraordinaire: Ralph Gurtner

T

he amateur sector of golf continues to explode around the world in popularity.

Entering the unfamiliar realm of golf need not be an intimidating experience however, especially when the esoteric art of club fitting is mentioned. You will most certainly find helpful and friendly advice when selecting your first set of golf clubs. Swingtime met with club fitter, engineer and pro shop owner Ralph Gurtner at Moossee Golf Park in Bern, Switzerland. He led us into the fascinating world where a golf club is not “just” a golf club.

Rob Greeff: How does a newcomer to the sport go about getting a set of golf clubs?

Ralph Gurtner: I would advise an initial visit to a professional golf shop. This first approach should entail a consultation with a golf pro, who will give a clear indication of the correct clubs to choose. Here at our golf academy, beginners first receive a putter, sand wedge and a 7 iron. These encompass the basic equipment for beginners to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of golf. Once they have become accustomed to the basics and ready to not only play but also purchase a set, it is important for them to receive a custom club fitting from a trained and experienced club fitter before investing in a full set of golf clubs. The initial layout is a costly investment and it is important to note that golf equipment in golf shops are constructed to standardized specifications. No two customers are the same; similarly, no two golf clubs will suit the same client. An internet platform, although informative, cannot compensate for the assistance and guidance as per individual needs and requirements.

Rob: What are the basic measurements and factors that go into the club fitting process?

RG: Firstly, an assessment is carried out. We make use of a launch monitor, which incorporates software that tracks the ball through the entirety of its flight and reveals and measures club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance and overall distance. All these indicators, together with other measurements, assist the club fitter in selecting the proper clubs for each golfer.

Other aspects we look at include gender, height without shoes, the distance from someone’s wrist (where it bends) to the floor (without shoes), age, handicap or skill level, how fast a person swings a golf club and what club he or she uses at the 150-yard marker.

Club fitting can be thought of as a combination of shaft flex, shaft length, lie angle and loft. It

is important to note that these factors are interrelated.

The shaft flex is the indication of how much swing force is necessary to make the shaft perform properly. If the shaft is too stiff, the player will have difficulty flexing it during the swing. This may result in reduced distance and shots going to the wrong direction.

If the shaft is too flexible, the player may have difficulty controlling the club head. This may result in either sliced or hooked shots. Correct shaft flex is primarily determined by the club head speed generated by the player.

Shaft length is measured from the top of the grip, straight down the shaft to the sole of the club head. The length effects distance, accuracy and swing plane. Thus, shaft length is both a matter of personal fit and individual performance preference. Changing the length of the club has three major effects: increasing or decreasing the shaft length modifies the length of the swing arc; changing shaft length alters the plane of the golfer’s swing and the longer shaft changes the position of the club head at impact.

The lie angle of a club is the angle formed by the sole of the club and the shaft. This angle effects the position of the club head at address and at impact. Proper lie will cause the centre of the club head to strike the ground rather than the heel or toe. A club which is too upright for the golfer will hit the ground with the heel. A club which is too flat will hit the ground with the toe.

The loft of a golf club is the angle formed by the face of the club and the shaft. The loft effects the trajectory the golf ball will travel after impact and the distance the ball will carry. In irons and fairway woods, the loft is usually a matter of club design.

In the driver, however, the loft must fit the golfer’s

46 Club Fitter Extraordinaire: Ralph Gurtner

swing. Three factors determine optimal loft for a driver: club head speed, swing consistency and the material and design of the head.

Rob: Taking all of this into account, is the goal or purpose when it comes to playing golf as important as the clubs?

RG: Absolutely. I always enquire whether the customer is purchasing a set for leisure or for competition. If you intend golf for fun and relaxation, you would look more for forgiveness in your clubs. If your golf is aimed at competition or playing at a professional level, you look more for performance.

Rob: How did you come to the sport of golf?

RG: It’s actually a funny story when I reflect on it. I had some friends who played golf. I had never really entertained the idea of playing and if I touched a golf club once, then that was a lot.

I think curiosity got the better of me one day and I remember very clearly that my first swing and shot was a very good one. It was with that first excitement that it all began for me. This has since evolved into my business, which I am very passionate about. When the human body and science come together it is a beautiful thing and golf is the most wonderful way to express that.

Rob: What is your advice to a new comer to the sport of golf?

RG: I would say go for a nice, easy and smooth swing. Let that be your building block. Secondly, and very importantly, enjoy yourself on the golf course. Golf gets you in contact with fresh air and nature and with today’s lifestyle, we need more of that.

D

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

werden Anfänger erst einmal mit einem Putter, Sandwedge und einem 7er Eisen ausgestattet.

Das reicht als Startset um sich mit den Grundzügen des Golfspiels vertraut zu machen.

Wenn Sie die Basis gut beherrschen und Ihr Spiel weiterentwickeln möchten, dann sollten Sie in einen kompletten Satz Schläger investieren. In diesem Fall erhalten Sie detaillierte Auskünfte und Beratung bei einem erfahrenen Club fitter.

Die erste Ausstattung ist ziemlich kostspielig und man muss wissen, dass die Golfausrüstung in den Golfshops den Standardnormen entspricht.

Doch genau wie jeder Spieler anders ist, gibt es auch keine zwei Golfschläger, die dem gleichen Spieler passen. Selbst die durchaus informativen Internetplattformen können hier nicht helfen, da die Anforderungen und Bedürfnisse jedes Einzelnen ganz unterschiedlich sind.

Rob: Was sind grundlegende Messungen und Faktoren beim Clubfitting Prozess?

Ralph: Zuerst erfolgt eine Prüfung. Wir benutzen neueste technische Geräte deren Software dem Ball während des gesamten Fluges folgt und die Schlägerkopfgeschwindigkeit, Ballgeschwindigkeit, Abschlagswinkel, Seitendrall, Carry Entfernung und Gesamtabstand aufzeichnet.

Diese Angaben zusammen mit verschiedenen Messungen helfen dem Club fitter bei der Auswahl des richtigen Schlägers für den Golfer.

Wir beziehen auch Geschlecht, Körperlänge (ohne Schuhe), Abstand zwischen Handgelenk (Beuge) bis zum Boden (ohne Schuhe), Alter, Handikap oder Qualifikation, die Schwung-Geschwindigkeit und mit welchem Schläger er oder sie am 150 Yards Marker spielt.

ie Begeisterung für Golf als Freizeitsport steigt weltweit rasant. Der Einstieg in die Welt des Golfs muss Sie nicht einschüchtern und wenn es um die Auswahl des richtigen Equipments, wie beispielsweise Golfschläger geht, werden Sie ganz bestimmt Hilfe und gute Ratschläge bekommen. Swingtime traf Club fitter, Ingenieur und Proshop-Besitzer Ralph Gurtner im Moossee Golfpark in Bern (Schweiz). Er stellte uns sein faszinierendes Reich, wo ein Golfschläger nicht “einfach nur” ein Golfschläger ist, vor.

Das Anpassen der Schläger ist eine Kombination von Schaftflexibilität, Schaftlänge, Lie-Winkel und Loft. Man muss wissen, dass all diese Faktoren zusammenhängen.

Rob: Was muss ein Anfänger tun, um die richtigen Golfschläger einzukaufen?

Ralph: Ich empfehle auf jeden Fall den Besuch eines professionellen Golfshops. Sprechen Sie zuerst mit einem Golftrainer, der Ihnen genau erklären wird, welche Schläger Sie wählen sollten und warum. Hier bei uns in der Golfakademie

Ist der Schaft zu flexibel hat der Spieler unter Umständen Schwierigkeiten, den Schlägerkopf zu kontrollieren. Das kann dazu führen, dass Ihre Golfschläge abdrehen. Die richtige Schaftflexibilität wird hauptsächlich durch die vom Spieler erzeugte Geschwindigkeit des Schlägerkopfs bestimmt.

Die Schaftflexibilität zeigt an, wie viel Schwungkraft notwendig ist, damit der Schaft richtig arbeitet. Ist der Schaft zu steif, wird der Spieler Probleme haben, ihn während des Schwungs zu beugen. Das kann zu verringertem Abstand führen und dazu, dass die Golfschläge in die falsche Richtung gehen.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Club Fitter Extraordinaire: Ralph Gurtner 47

Die Länge des Schafts wird gemessen von der Oberkante des Griffs, gerade hinunter bis zur Sohle des Schlägerkopfs.

Die Länge beeinflusst Entfernung, Präzision und Schwung.

Die Schaftlaenge ist sowohl eine Frage des Geschmacks und der individuell angestrebten Leistung. Eine Veränderung der Schlägerlänge hat drei wesentliche Auswirkungen: wird die Schaftlänge verlängert oder verkürzt, ändert das die Länge des Schwungbogens, modifiziert die Ebene des Golfschwungs und ein längerer Schaft ändert die Position des Schlägerkopfs beim Impakt.

Der Lie-Winkel ist der Winkel zwischen Schlägerkopf und Schaft. Er ist wichtig für den Eintreffwinkel des Schlägers zum Ball. Mit dem richtigen Lie wird die Mitte des Schlägerkopfs den Boden und nicht den Heel oder die Schlägerspitze treffen.

Ein Schläger, der für den Golfer zu gerade ist, trifft den Boden mit dem Heel. Ein zu flacher Schläger trifft den Boden mit der Schlägerspitze.

Der Loft eines Schlägers ist die Schrägstellung der Schlagfläche am Schlägerkopf. Der Loft beeinflusst die Flugrichtung und - entfernung des Balls. Bei Eisen und Fairway-Hölzern ist der Loft normalerweise eine Frage des Schlägerdesigns. Beim Driver dagegen muss der Loft dem Schwung des Golfers angepasst werden.

Drei Punkte sind wichtig für den optimalen Driver-Loft: Schlägerkopfgeschwindigkeit, Schwungkonsistenz und das Material sowie Design des Kopfs.

Rob: Das bedeutet also, dass der Grund, warum man Golf spielt, genauso wichtig ist wie die Schläger?

Ralph: Ganz genau. Ich frage zuerst immer, ob die Golfschläger zum Freizeitspielen oder für Golfturniere eingesetzt werden sollen. Wenn Sie Turniere spielen möchten, gelten natürlich andere Kriterien bei der Schlägerwahl als wenn Sie Golf zur Entspannung und zum Spaß spielen.

Rob: Wie sind Sie zum Golf gekommen?

Ralph: Wenn ich so darüber nachdenke, ist das eigentlich eine recht lustige Geschichte. Ein paar meiner Freunde spielten Golf. Ich war nie so richtig angetan und wenn ich doch einmal spielte, bedeutete das eine Menge. Aber eines Tages siegte meine Neugier und ich erinnere mich noch gut daran, dass mein erster Schwung und Abschlag sehr, sehr gut war. Das war der Auslöser, mit dem für mich alles begann. Daraus hat sich dann auch mein Geschäft entwickelt, das ich mit leidenschaftlicher Begeisterung betreibe. Das Zusammenwirken zwischen dem menschlichen Körper und der Wissenschaft ist eine großartige Sache und Golf ist die schönste Art und Weise, dies zum Ausdruck zu bringen.

Rob: Können Sie Anfängern einige gute Tipps geben?

Ralph: Tja, ich würde sagen, beginnen Sie damit, einen schönen, leichten und glatten Schwung zu trainieren. Das ist Ihre Basis. Ansonsten sollten Sie das Golfen einfach genießen und sich auf dem Golfplatz richtig entspannen. Sie sind an der frischen Luft, in Kontakt mit der Natur und diese wertvollen Momente sind wichtig, da unser heutiger Lebensstil doch sehr hektisch ist.

47

Shakil Moollan Partner at Parker Randall

By Rob Greeff

T

he Mauritius member firm of Parker Randall International forms part of a worldwide organization of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers. Swingtime the Business of Golf met with partner Shakil Moollan, whose passion and commitment to clients is focused on exceeding their expectations.

Parker Randall works with all types of businesses, from privately owned organizations, entrepreneurs, family businesses, trusts and partnerships, to private individuals. Understanding the diverse needs of their clients forms the foundation of providing effective solutions that combine industry insight with technical expertise.

RG: What initiated your entry into the Accounting and Finance enterprise?

SM: A great demand for accountants arose in Mauritius at the time I was finishing my high school education. I then went to the UK and studied at the University of London for an Accounting and

Finance degree. Upon completion, I returned to Mauritius and joined a local firm as a trainee. I then joined up with my current partner Mr. Dev Dhalia (originally from MRA) and we set up Dhalia Associates with me in charge of accounts. What began as a small concern grew rapidly due to an excellent synergy.

RG: Was there any particular strategy that ensured the success of the firm?

SM: Yes. We identified a niche market that was not especially catered to at the time. Instead of focusing on big companies, we began targeting SME’s (Small Limited Enterprises). We strove to educate this particular sector who was not acutely aware of tax implications. Also, many of these small businesses did not realize that things were changing. The government was becoming increasingly serious with the law and MRA and tax collection. As accountants, we anticipated this change and identified the subsequent need that arose in this burgeoning market. We also worked very closely with the banks and this entailed restructuring small companies to meet with the bank requirements and to sustain the growth of the businesses in question. Today, for example,

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London Parker Randall has an office at MCB. This close relationship with the banks on behalf of our clients would include various aspects like completing due diligences and further ensuring a very low failure rate by clients in conjunction with continuous follow up and hence foresee any potential problems which may hamper clients to continue to grow and be retained by the Banks.

RG: Has this dynamic approach carried through with you joining Parker Randall?

SM: Yes indeed. We see the success of SME’s over the last 15 years with their growth. Hence they are the ones who have become major players worldwide as they are the new job creators. Joining Parker Randall has brought a lot of exposure and foreign clientele as well and further diversifications of services catering to the needs of existing clients like corporate services.

RG: Walk us through this diversification of services offered by Parker Randall.

SM: With a service orientated approach we cater to SME’s, big companies with major audits to consulting with foreign clients from China, India and France, we understand that although specific details may differ, all owner-managed businesses face similar issues. We consequently strive to help clients manage their businesses to achieve their specific and individual goals. With this in mind, our “Business Services” entails improved Financial Performance through advising in benchmarking, working capital management and raising finance, profit optimization and setting up effective reporting systems. This is furthered by becoming more effective through efficient management structures and the retention of key staff and improving staff motivation.

Our “Taxation Services” involves developing a clear tax strategy for all personal and corporate clients to ensure accurate compliance in a timely fashion and include Income Tax, Corporate Tax and value Added tax.

Parker Randall: Shakil Moollan 49

accountancy in monthly/quarterly management accounts and full statutory year-end financial statements and an audit that is designed to add value to clients’ businesses and produce positive benefits from our procedures.

Our “Specialist Services” provide Corporate Finance services on acquisitions and disposals of business, conducting due diligence and advice on raising finance, Outsourcing of bookkeeping, management accounting and payroll and company Secretarial services that include incorporation of the company and dealing with ongoing statutory compliance.

Our “International Business Services” extends to Business Visas and Work permits and we provide professional, impartial assessments through to submitting full applications.

RG: What are your views on the global economic crisis and the current Euro crisis?

SM: During the global crisis our banking sector remained solid and fairly robust. There are certain sectors that have been affected, particularly tourism. With the current Euro crisis we can see certain RES and IRS projects that have been put on hold with the market at this stage being down. Without being overly pessimistic, I do think that we will see a modicum of fallout on the local market. We at Parker Randall, however, are very confident concerning our particular client base which is very resilient and have in fact grown. We have also experienced an influx of new clients, both local and foreign.

The Parker Randall office here in Mauritius has also been appointed the one in charge of Africa.

With offices opening up in South Africa and Madagascar, we will be the link between Africa and the East. This is also in line with the strategic positioning of Mauritius as a business hub in the Indian Ocean region.

D

www.mu.parkerrandall.com Through our “Financial Reporting” we endeavour to ensure clients maximise their potential wealth and verify that compliance issues are not overlooked. Hence, we assist clients who are starting up choose the best business vehicle and compliance with VAT, PAYE and other statuary registrations. We ensure that bookkeeping delivers the required information relevant to client’s needs and capabilities, and we provide

ie mauritische Tochter von Parker Randall ist Teil einer internationalen Organisation unabhängiger Wirtschaftsprüfer und Unternehmensberater.

Swingtime the Business of Golf traf Teilhaber Shakil Moollan, dessen Ziel es ist, mit Leidenschaft und Engagement die Erwartungen seiner Kunden noch zu übertreffen.

Parker Randall: Shakil Moollan

Parker Randall arbeitet mit den unterschiedlichsten Geschäftspartnern, von Privatorganisationen, Unternehmern, Familienunternehmen, Treuhandfonds, Partnerschaften bis hin zu Privatpersonen. Das Verständnis für die unterschiedlichsten Belange ihrer Kunden, Branchenkenntnisse sowie technisches Know How sind Voraussetzungen um effektive Lösungen präsentieren zu können.

RG: Was bewegte Sie dazu ins Wirtschafts- und Finanzwesen einzutreten?

SM: Als ich meine Highschool-Ausbildung abschloss, entstand gerade ein enormer Bedarf an Wirtschaftsprüfern in Mauritius. Ich studierte Rechnungs- und Finanzwesen an der University of London. Als ich wieder in Mauritius war, trat einer hiesigen Firma als Trainee bei. Im Anschluss daran schloss ich mich mit meinem jetzigen Partner Dev Dhalia (ursprünglich von MRA) zusammen und wir gründeten Dhalia Associates mit mir als Verantwortlichen der Buchhaltung. Wir begannen als kleines Unternehmen, wuchsen aber dank unserer ausgezeichneten Zusammenarbeit sehr schnell.

Swingtime issue49 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

RG: Hatten Sie eine bestimmte Erfolgsstrategie für die Firma?

SM: Ja, wir entdeckten eine Marktlücke um die sich seinerzeit niemand besonders kümmerte, nämlich den Sektor kleiner und mittelständischer Firmen. Wir waren darauf bedacht, diesen Bereich zu sensibilisieren und zu schulen, da man sich dort nicht wirklich mit den steuerlichen Auswirkungen beschäftigte und auskannte. Dazu kam noch, dass viele dieser kleineren Unternehmen den Umschwung, die beginnende Veränderung nicht erkannten. Die Regierung wurde mit der Gesetzgebung und dem Steuerwesen zusehends strenger. Als Spezialisten spürten wir diese Entwicklung und sahen den daraus resultierenden Bedarf an Aufklärung. Unsere enge Zusammenarbeit mit den verschiedenen Banken half, die umstrukturierten Kleinfirmen insoweit zu unterstützen, dass diese den Bankansprüchen genügten und den Aufbau des jeweiligen Geschäftes vorantreiben konnten.

Heute, beispielsweise, hat Parker Randall ein Büro bei der MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank). Diese Zusammenarbeit mit den Banken im Interesse unserer Kunden schließt verschiedene Aspekte

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London ein. Wir führen Abschluss- und Sorgfaltsprüfungen durch und gewährleisten somit, die Fehler- und Ausfallquote der Kunden so gering wie möglich zu halten. Durch kontinuierliches Follow Up erkennen wir auftretende Probleme sofort und können verhindern, dass unsere Kunden in eine schwierige Situation geraten und eventuell von den Banken übernommen werden.

RG: Hat Sie dieses dynamische Konzept mit Parker Randall in Verbindung gebracht?

SM: Ja, in der Tat. In den letzten 15 Jahren konnten wir den Erfolg von Klein- und mittelständischen Firmen an ihrem Wachstum messen. Sie sind zu Hauptakteuren auf dem Weltmarkt geworden, nicht zuletzt aufgrund der Tatsache, dass sie viele Arbeitsplätze schaffen.

Die Zusammenarbeit mit Parker Randall hat mir viel Anerkennung und neue ausländische Kunden gebracht sowie ein erweitertes, auf die Belange unserer Kunden abgestimmtes Dienstleistungsangebot.

RG: Bitte erläutern Sie die Ausweitung Ihrer Dienstleistungen ein wenig näher.

SM: Durch unsere Service-orientierte Einstellung sorgen wir für klein- und mittelständische Firmen, Grossunternehmen mit Betriebs- und Abschlussprüfungen und als Berater für ausländische Kunden aus China, Indien und Frankreich. Wir verstehen, dass trotz mancher Abweichung in spezifischen Details die meisten Privatunternehmen ähnliche Probleme haben. Uns ist immer daran gelegen, unseren Kunden bei der Geschäftsführung so zu helfen, das spezifische und individuelle Ziel erreicht werden. In diesem Sinne beinhaltet unser Dienstleistungsangebot für Unternehmen eine verbesserte finanzielle Performance durch Beratung bei Betriebsvergleichen, Management des Betriebskapitals und der Beschaffung von Finanzmitteln, Gewinnoptimierung und Aufbau eines effizienten Berichtswesen. Dies wird noch durch effektivere Management Strukturen, Personalbindung und Mitarbeitermotivation gefördert.

Unser “Steuer-Service” beinhaltet klare Steuerstrategien für Privatunternehmen und Großkunden und genaue zeitliche Einhaltung der Einkommen-, Körperschafts- und UmsatzsteuerPrüfungen.

Mit unserer “Finanzberichterstattung” zielen wir darauf hin, dass unsere Kunden ihr potentielles Vermögen steigern und wir überprüfen, dass die Einhaltung gesetzlicher Vorgaben befolgt

Parker Randall: Shakil Moollan 51

wird. Wir unterstützen Neukunden bei der Wahl ihres Geschäftskonzepts und bei der Einhaltung der Mehrwertsteuer, Lohnsteuer und anderer gesetzlich vorgeschriebener Registrierungen.

Wir garantieren, dass die Buchführung aussagefähig ist, erstellen monatliche/ vierteljährliche Rechnungsabwicklung und den vollständigen Jahresabschlussbericht sowie eine Betriebsprüfung, die helfen soll, den Mehrwert der Unternehmen unserer Kunden zu steigern.

Unser “Spezialisten-Service” beinhaltet vollen Finanzwirtschaftsservice bei Geschäftsübernahmen und Geschäftsveräusserungen, Durchführung der Sorgfaltspflicht und Beratung bei der Beschaffung von Finanzmitteln, Ausgliederung der Betriebszweige Buchhaltung/ Rechnungswesen und Lohnbuchführung sowie einen Unternehmens- und Sektreteriatsservice, der sich um Gesellschaftsgründungen und der laufenden gesetzlichen Compliance kümmert.

Unser “internationaler Geschäftsservice” hilft noch zusätzlich bei der Beantragung von Geschäftsvisen und Arbeitsgenehmigungen und wir geben professionelle, unparteiische Beurteilungen bis hin zur Vorlage vollständiger Anträge.

RG: Wie denken Sie über die globale Wirtschaftskrise und die gegenwärtige EuroProblematik?

SM: Während der globalen Krise blieb unser Banksektor solide und beständig. Es gibt verschiedene Bereiche, die stark betroffen sind, wie zum Beispiel die Tourismus-Branche. Durch die andauernde Euro-Krise wurden verschiedene RES und IRS-Projekte eingefroren. Ohne zu pessimistisch zu sein denke ich doch, dass wir mit einem gewissen Maß an negativen Auswirkungen auf dem lokalen Markt rechnen müssen. Wir bei Parker Randall sind allerdings optimistisch im Hinblick auf unsere Kundenbasis, die sehr belastbar ist und sogar ein Wachstum nachweisen konnte. Wir haben einen gewissen Zustrom an lokalen wie auch ausländischen Neukunden verbuchen können.

Unser Parker Randall Büro auf Mauritius ist mittlerweile die leitende Stelle für Afrika. Mit den neuen Büros in Südafrika und Madagaskar sind wir die Verbindung zwischen Afrika und dem Osten und dies steht wiederum im Einklang mit der strategischen Positionierung von Mauritius als Wirtschaftsdrehscheibe im Indischen Ozean.

52 Kurt Schรถri

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

KS:The founding of the company in 2003 can be seen as being born out of a cooperation between German shipowners and the Swiss Financial Market.

This enabled the creation of a company, the first in Switzerland, to offer investment opportunities in shipping, aviation and rail, bolstered by a Wealth Management sector.

Kurt Schรถri: Swiss Invest Group

wingtime, the Business of Golf consistently endeavours to bring our readers fascinating profiles of the leaders of the international business sector.

We were very fortunate to sit down and speak to Mr. Kurt Schรถri, MD and founder of the Swiss Invest Group based in Bern, Switzerland.

S

Mr. Schรถri holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified Fund Officer IAF. He has worked since 1982 in the financial services industry, particularly in product design, asset management, insurance and pension, in the capacity of responsible staff and line positions. He is also a professor, author and lecturer in Innovation Management and Strategic Management at various universities in Bern, Zurich and St. Gallen.

RG: Mr. Schรถri , what was the impetus for the establishment of Swiss Invest Group?

RG: Kindly elaborate on these two focused units of Swiss Invest Group.

KS: The Swiss Shipcapital Invest AG is the first company which sells well-known (German) shares in sea-going vessels. As an importer of these holdings we examine through Swissship the available offers and present them to the existing distribution partners, adapted to the Swiss market. The Swissship selects distributors by demanding criteria, trains its staff and its partners and provides support in sales. Additionally, we are available to the customer for further questions or special services. By embedding in a network with the issuing houses, Swissship offers investors and distributors the following added values: quality in consulting and concept by specializing in ship investments, quality control over the whole value chain, security for the investor by conservative concepts and practice restraint forecast, increased performance and opportunities through investment solutions with differentiation characteristics.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London Swissship Swiss offers its partners a complete package which includes: consulting and training in the shipping business and marine holdings, investment advice, taking into account tax issues, exemplary residence based tax calculation examples, settlement of German tax formalities, permanent information for investors and partners and a hotline for investors and partners.

The Swiss Wealth Consulting AG is a company of Swiss Invest Group based in Bern. The group currently combines four companies, which are, in addition to the asset management division, mainly focused on the development of innovative and sometimes unique investment solutions for Swiss and foreign investors. The foundation of activity centres on exceptional quality, unconditional commitment and entrepreneurship and reputable conduct of partnership to all stakeholders. Wealth is an independent Swiss asset management company with the following objectives: needs-based advice and support for wealthy individuals from Germany and other European countries, building and maintaining customer relationships based on mutual respect, honesty, discretion and transparency and use of professional, socially competent and dedicated staff. A partnership relationship with our customers is our focus.

The Swiss Wealth is as individual as its advisors. Through years of experience in the banking sector, the individual employees bring customized and innovative solutions to asset management of our clients. We invest time in our customers and strive for lasting, trusting relationships with individual clients.

As an independent asset manager, we are not committed to the marketing of a particular service or certain financial products. The determining factor for us is to be exclusively personal and individually customer orientated. We provide continuity in customer care and maximum transparency.

Quick decision-making and flexibility gives

Kurt SchĂśri 53

us the ability to quickly respond to the environment and the needs of customers.

RG: Is corporate golf of importance to Swiss Invest Group?

KS: Indeed it is. It provides the unprecedented time of four hours with our clients. Many of our clients especially in the private banking and investment sector play golf. With this profile in mind, it is important to not only generate new contacts and clients but also to maintain a closeness with our existing clientele, via the conduit of corporate golf.

RG: Judging on the success of the 1st Bern Golf Trophy presented by Swiss Invest Group, will we be seeing more of these events?

KS: Yes, most certainly. We have already had enquiries as to the 2nd Bern Golf Trophy for next year.

RG: What is your personal experience of the sport of golf?

KS: Well, I have been playing for 13 years and it continues to fascinate me. It has a commanding balance of the body and the mind. Both must work in unison to achieve results. The relationship between good technique and the state of the mind is applicable to all golfers. One cannot do without the other. Golf unlike other sports can be played for a lifetime, and so becomes part of one’s lifestyle and character make-up.

RG: What are your views on amateur golf?

KS: Well I see many of my clients taking up the sport every day. It is good to see public golf courses coming up all around Switzerland. I would like to see greater access being provided to everyone, and we should actively encourage our youth to embrace the sport at an earlier age so can reap the benefits of golf so much sooner.

54 Kurt Schöri

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Kurt Schöri: Swiss Invest Group

wingtime, The Business of Golf bemüht sich redlich, seinen Lesern immer wieder faszinierende Persönlichkeiten aus der internationalen Geschäftswelt vorzustellen. Wir freuen uns, Ihnen Kurt Schöri, Hauptgeschäftsführer und Gründer der Schweizer Swiss Invest Group mit Sitz in Bern in einem Interview vorstellen zu können.

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Kurt Schöri ist Betriebswirt mit Hochschulabschluss (MBA) und zertifizierter Anlageberater IAF. Seit 1982 ist er in der Finanzindustrie als zuständiger Mitarbeiter in leitender Position tätig und befasst sich insbesondere mit Produktdesign, Anlagenverwaltung, Versicherung und Pensionen. Er ist Professor, Autor und hält Vorlesungen über innovatives und strategisches Management an verschiedenen Schweizer Universitäten in Bern, Zürich und St. Gallen.

RG: Was war der Anstoß für die Gründung der Swiss Invest Group?

KS: Unsere Firmengründung im Jahr 2003 entstand aus einer Kooperation zwischen deutschen Schiffseignern und dem Schweizer Finanzmarkt. Wir kreierten ein Firmenkonzept, übrigens das erste dieser Art in der Schweiz, das Anlagemöglichkeiten wie Schiffs-, Flugzeugund Railbeteiligungen anbietet und die Anlagevermögen verwaltet.

RG: Könnten Sie diese beiden Geschäftszweige der Swiss Invest Group ein wenig näher erläutern?

KS: Die Swiss Ship Capital Invest AG ist die erste Firma, die Anteile an bekannten deutschen Seeschiffen vermittelt. Als Einkäufer dieser Anteile überprüfen wir

durch Swisship die Angebote und geben diese, angepasst an den Schweizer Markt, an unsere Vertriebspartner weiter.

Die Swisship wählt ihre Händler nach strengen Kriterien aus, schult Mitarbeiter und Partner und unterstützt den Verkauf.

Wir sind jederzeit für unsere Kunden erreichbar um eventuell auftretende Fragen zu beantworten und speziellen Service zu leisten. Durch unsere hervorragenden Kontakte zu den Emissionshäusern kann Swisship sowohl Investoren wie auch Händlern die folgenden Mehrwerte anbieten: Qualität bei der Beratung und Konzeption durch die Spezialisierung auf Schiffsbeteiligungen, Qualitätskontrolle über die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette, Sicherheit für die Anleger durch konservative Konzepte und vorausschauende, vorsichtige Prognosen, Leistungssteigerung und Erhöhung der Geschäftsmöglichkeiten durch Anlagelösungen mit differenzierten Merkmalen.

Swisship Swiss bietet den Anlegern ein komplettes Packet an: Beratung und Schulung über Seeschifffahrt und Schiffsholdings, Anlageberatung unter Berücksichtigung von Steuerfragen, beispielsweise wohnsitzbezogene Steuerberechnungen, Abwicklung der deutschen Steuerformalitäten, kontinuierliche Informationen sowie Hotline für Investoren und Vertriebspartner.

Die Swiss Wealth Consulting AG ist ein Unternehmen der Swiss Invest Group mit Sitz in Bern. Gegenwärtig setzt sich die Gruppe aus vier Firmen zusammen, die zusätzlich zur Vermögensverwaltung, an der Entwicklung von innovativen, manchmal einzigartigen Anlagemöglichkeiten für Schweizer und ausländische Anleger arbeiten. Wir garantieren die Einhaltung

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

eines außergewöhnlichen Qualitätsniveaus, uneingeschränktes Engagement, unternehmerische Initiative und seriöse Partnerschaft mit allen Anteilseignern.

Wealth ist eine unabhängige Schweizer Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mit den folgenden Grundsätzen: bedarfsgerechte Beratung und Betreuung unserer vermögenden Privatkunden aus Deutschland und anderen europäischen Ländern, Aufbau und Pflege der Kundenbeziehungen, die auf gegenseitigem Respekt, Ehrlichkeit, Diskretion und Transparenz unter Einbeziehung professioneller, sozial kompetenter und engagierter Mitarbeiter basieren. Eine partnerschaftliche Beziehung zu unseren Kunden ist unser Ziel. Die Swiss Wealth ist genauso individuell wie ihre Anlageberater. Durch jahrelange Erfahrung im Bankbereich schlagen unsere Mitarbeiter den Anlegern kundenspezifische und innovative Investitionslösungen vor. Wir investieren ein Maximum an Zeit in jeden unserer Kunden und streben langjährige, auf Vertrauen basierte Geschäftsbeziehungen an. Als unabhängige Anlageberater sind wir nicht auf die Vermarktung bestimmter Dienstleistungen oder Finanzprodukte angewiesen. Entscheidend für uns ist die exklusive, persönliche und individuelle Kundenorientation. Wir bieten Kontinuität in der Betreuung und maximale Transparenz.

Kurze Entscheidungswege und Flexibilität machen es uns möglich, schnell auf das Umfeld und die Bedürfnisse unserer Kunden zu reagieren.

RG: Ist Golf ein wichtiger Faktor für die Swiss Invest Group?

KS: Oh ja, in der Tat. Viele unserer Kunden, speziell aus dem Privatbank- und Investmentbereich spielen Golf und so haben wir die Gelegenheit, so manch wertvolle

Kurt Schöri 55

Stunde mit ihnen zu verbringen. Das Golfen gibt uns nicht nur die Möglichkeit Kontakte zu knüpfen und Neukunden zu rekrutieren, sondern auch, das Verhältnis zu unseren schon bestehenden Geschäftspartnern zu pflegen und intensivieren.

RG: Das von der Swiss Invest Group ausgerichtete Turnier “1. Bern Golf Trophy” war ein großer Erfolg. Werden wir mehrere Veranstaltungen dieser Art erleben?

KS: Ja, ganz bestimmt. Es gab bereits Anfragen zu einer 2. Berner Golf Trophy im nächsten Jahr.

RG: Erzählen Sie ein wenig über Ihre persönlichen Golferfahrungen KS: Tja, ich spiele seit 13 Jahren und bin immer noch gleichermaßen begeistert.

Die Balance von Körper und Geist ist beispiellos. Um gute Ergebnisse erzielen zu können, müssen beide im Einklang sein.

Das Zusammenspiel von guter Technik und ausgeglichener Gemütsverfassung ist wichtig für uns Golfer. Das Eine geht nicht ohne das Andere. Da Golf eine der wenigen Sportarten ist, die man ein Leben lang ausüben kann, wird es mit der Zeit Teil des eigenen Lebensstils und Charakterbildes.

RG: Wie ist Ihre Meinung zum Amateurgolf?

KS: Viele meiner Kunden spielen täglich.

Es ist wirklich schön, dass überall in der Schweiz öffentliche Golfplätze entstehen.

Meiner Meinung nach müsste das Golfen einer größeren Menge zugänglich gemacht werden. Wir sollten unsere Jugend dahingehend motivieren, in jungen Jahren mit diesem Sport zu beginnen, damit sie möglichst schnell dessen Vorteile genießen können.

56 Benz & partners

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Benz & partners 57

58 Biz Bits

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Biz Bits Broadband for Island of Mayotte

The consortium submarine cable LION 2 has signed a contract for construction and maintenance of a cable that will connect Mayotte to broadband in 2011. This project will extend the cable connecting Kenya to LION for the first time the island of Mayotte to submarine cable network.

Seven operators including Emtel Ltd, France Telecom SA, Mauritius Telecom Ltd, Orange Madagascar, Reunion Society of Radiotelephony, Stoi Telkom Kenya Ltd and Internet joined together to generate over 60 million Euros required for the manufacture and installation of fibre optic cable. For its part, France offered a tax exemption for operators representing almost 10 million Euros.

The cable LION 2 will enable residents of Mayotte to benefit from internet access by the end of 2011, a flow potential which will amount to 1.28 Tbps cons of the 54 megabit second. This seemingly revolution of sorts, will advance growth in the economic, training and the health sector. A precondition imposed by to the consortium in exchange for support lies in ensuring that the tariffs charged by operators are not prohibitive and that there will be no abuse or discrimination.

The goal is to offer Mahorais rates similar to those that are offered in Reunion, which start at 20 Euros for access to broadband Internet.

Putting the brakes on IRS Projects

Various projects of Integrated Resorts Scheme (IRS) are currently on hold. Meetings were held between developers, including the projects of Salines, Rivière Noire, to facilitate development.

This may also forecast an evolution in residential and hotel projects in the region.

Problems concerning the establishment of a mechanism for sharing the costs of providing water services and road access were identified for the ten projects to be executed at Salines, Rivière Noire. A proposal for the installation of pipes to help supply the hotels and residences to be built was discussed.

Developers have looked at the possibility of installing water desalination units to meet their respective needs, as is the case for hotels in the west. A further obstacle is the access road to the site. Developers have proposed that the Road Development Authority construct the said road, as has been done at St Felix, and that thereafter they would contribute financially. The cost of this road would exceed Rs 100 million.

Earmarked hotel projects awaiting a resolution include Mauritian companies Hyvec Partners Ltd., Beachcomber, Owen H, Mary Vale, and the French group Vinci Building with Sweets Horizon Resorts proposing to build bungalows.

In addition the international financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 and the current crisis of the euro this year have slowed the implementation of IRS projects. Of the twenty IRS projects approved by the Board of Investment, few have been constructed to date, including Anahita, Tamarina Valriche Villas as well as the construction of villas at Club Med Albion and Belle Riviére Promotion Ltd. in Bel Ombre. Other projects have had financial difficulties, such as The Corniche Bay Gaulette who went into administration, The Beacon Marina Matala which has been delayed from the start, while those of Gamma Betonix, River Club, the Society of the Reserve and the Sugar Investment Trust have not yet gone ahead.

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IN TOUCH WITH YOUR TIME

Swingtime Golf du Ch창teau Cup

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Swingtime Golf du Ch창teau Cup

by Rob Greeff

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Swingtime Golf du Château Cup 61

G

olf du Château in Bel Ombre, together with Swingtime, hosted a golf tournament on the 24th July 2010 to huge success. The Swingtime Golf du Château Cup was well received with a participation of 80 players, with many on a waiting list in the week prior eager to enrol.

The event was covered by Swingtime: The Business of Golf magazine as well as the Swingtime Golf Show, and captured the fun and enthusiasm had by all.

Golf Director of Golf du Château, Steeven Shearer extended great thanks to Swingtime for its generous sponsorship of the event which ensured an awesome day of golf for local golfers. He further mentioned that the day ran very smoothly and it was most enjoyable to play a stroke play format. Individual stable ford better play formats tend to be the standard for golf tournaments on the island, so not only did the stroke play format generate excitement amongst the players but also yielded some impressive scores.

Golf du Château is also the training ground for the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program.

We asked Steeven what Golf du Château’s particular interest in the Program was. “As a PGA Professional Golfer myself, I am looking to promote golf not only to the Foreigners coming to play golf in Mauritius, but also to the Mauritians themselves. Many of the youngsters had never even been to a golf course 10 to 15 years ago. We also have 2 young men participating in the Program, and by making our world class facility available to the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program is our part of giving back to the community. We believe that it is a fantastic initiative that reaps results. Not only has the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program given the opportunity for some talented youngsters to play and train, but also provided the chance to travel to India and Switzerland and broadened their horizons in golf and in life.

Swingtime Golf Show - S. Shearer

The winner of the Swingtime Golf du Château Cup: Judson Mathias was very enthusiastic about his win.” I had an excellent day. The wind was a bit tricky, but that added to the excitement. The tournament was well organized and everyone had a great time. It was also great to see the Swingtime Adopt- A-Golfers playing. They are doing very well.”

Swingtime Golf Show interviews winner J. Mathias

L. Bax, J. R. Desvaux, J. d’Argent & P. Schweers

Swingtime Golf Show interviews N. Serret

C. Thomas, M. Bundhoo, V. Panoo & A. Rugooputh

Swingtime Golf du Ch창teau Cup

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

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1

4

3 1. N. Wykes, N. Sooreedoo & K. Schweers.

2. V. Vydelingum, A. Li, A. Duval & G. Skwaric.

3. J.N. Lennon, N.Nundoosing, R. Toussaint & Y. Sada.

4. N. Sooreedoo, E. Tsang Man King, P. Purgass & S. Chady.

5. D. Mc Carthy. B. Mc Cauley, L. Mc Cauley & J. Mathias.

6. R. Dorasami, A. Appanah, H. Wan & T. Giannone.

7. R. Purdasy, R. Ramdewar, L. Czismadia & F. Hardy.

8. M. Ekstrom, V. Wykes, J. Tsang Man King & N. de la Gravigne.

9. Adopt-a-golfers J. Choony, V. Panoo & M. Bundhoo.

10. The Winners.

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5 7

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Swingtime Golf du Ch창teau Cup

8 Results: A Division Net 1st. Vicky Panoo (Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer) 70 2nd. Mourad Bundhoo (Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer) 71 3rd. Jayesh Choony (Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer) 73

9

A Division Gross 1st . Judson Mathias 73 2nd. Christopher Hardy 80 3rd. Bernard Futter 82 B Division Net 1st . Darryl Czismadia 70 2nd. Derrick Mace 73 3rd. Ashraf Musbally 74 Ladies Gross 1st. Nathalie Serret 73 Ladies Net 1st. Marika Ekstrom 92 2nd. Margaret Kan Wah 96 3rd. Veronique Wykes 102

10

Swingtime Golf du Ch창teau Cup

Swingtime issue45 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

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3 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2

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5 6.

7.

8.

9.

P. Saddul, D. Czismadia, S. Sennick & B. Ramchurn.

S. Appanah, A. Ramlagan, A. Musbally & B. Singh.

D. Mace, Mr. Petey, M. Cridlan & Mr. Grunow.

J. Choony, G. Bouic & T. Vayerdont.

G. de la Gravigne, C. Wykes, N. Desvaux & R. Prayag.

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7

8

9

M. Kan Wah, M. Wan, N. Serret & F. Desvaux.

R. Robinson, S. Masseli, B. Futter & M. Emmannuel.

C. Cure, G. Desveaux, L. Bax & A. Nundoosing.

V. Serret, J. Rebouah, V. Lenette & R. Luron.

66 Tech & trends

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Tech & trends 67

68 Golf Golfer’s fashion paradise

La sobriété chic représentée par cette jupe brodée et gansée blanc sur tissu gris perle, harmonisée à la visière, et son polo avec petits strass sur la poche : une valeur sûre mais toujours très mode.

Que ce soit pour homme ou pour Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za femme, MASTERS in GOLF association with TIMESONLINE of London FASHION reste d'une qualité irréprochable avec des matières d'une haute technicité.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Avec ce pantalon blanc sport mais sobre, le polo à motifs est tout à fait mis en valeur. La ceinture façon croco, rouge ou noir et blanc sera l'accessoire idéal pour cet ensemble moderne.

Golf fashion 69

70 Golf fashion

A

doptez le look tigresse sur les fairways avec cette nouvelle collection automne 2010 de chez Daily Sports.

Des tenues spĂŠcialement adaptĂŠes aux pays chauds. Disponible en septembre dans les proshops Beachcomber.

Golf fashion 71

B

ONJOC et ses marques-balles en cristaux de Swarovski propose toujours une grande variété à accorder avec vos tenues golfiques ou autres.

72 Fit round

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

The most rewarding part of golf is getting to escape the office and embrace the great outdoors.

With today’s modern lifestyle we have increasingly become disconnected from the simple things like breathing fresh air when we spend the majority of our time being subjected to artificial lighting and air conditioned environments. Golf courses, by their inherent design, take in the best that nature has to offer, from wide open spaces encompassing arresting views of trees and water features both natural and landscaped. This being the case, golfers often get a bit more up close and personal with nature more so than we intend to, and from time to time will encounter mosquitoes and insects that live in the grass and water.

Golf courses are notoriously wonderful ecosystems for insects, with mosquitoes being the most annoying. They have been known to ruin a lovely round whilst walking or throw off your concentration when putting. Golf by its nature is dictated by common sense. You are playing golf outdoors; consequently you may never know what insects might bite you. As a rule of thumb, it always helps to bring an insect repellent or to apply an appropriate lotion, cream or spray, prior to your round. There are many on the market to suit every pocket and available over the counter. Something new to stave off a mosquito onslaught is the “Anti-Mosquito Patch” : a self sticking patch saturated with citronella oil. You simply tear off a patch, scratch the surface and stick it onto your sleeve, pant leg or cap. The patches do tend to be very effective and are available at most pharmacies and golf shops.

Searching for that lost ball can induce even greater frustration, when you are rewarded with finding a tick on your person.

Avoid ticks by doing the following : • After a round, check your body for ticks, particularly on the scalp, armpits, groin, belt line and back of the knees.

• Dress in light-coloured clothing so you can detect dark ticks.

• Wear socks that cover your ankles.

• Spray exposed skin with a tick repellent.

• Tuck your pants into your socks before walking into tall rough or the woods.

• Shower promptly after playing, using a washcloth to scrub away ticks.

• Wash your golf clothes or put them in high heat in the clothes dryer for 20 minutes, which kills ticks.

Pest control at golf courses has certainly come a long way in reducing the influx of insects.

Depending on in which country the golf course is, it may be governed by regulations. Some golfers with a sensitivity to chemical pest control will want to limit their exposure.

Reducing chemical exposure : • Avoid transferring anything from turf to mouth.

• Consult the golf course superintendent to ascertain what chemicals are used and when they are dispersed.

• Wash your hands and forearms after each round.

• Avoid playing on days when pesticides or fertilizers have been applied to the turf.

• Wear long pants whenever the weather allows.

Your sun screen and insect repellent should be right there next to your extra golf balls when embarking on that great round into the great outdoors.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Fit round 73

Dem Büro entfliehen und sich im Freien bewegen zu können, das sind echte Vorteile am Golfspiel.

Leider ist es heutzutage, durch unseren modernen Lebensstil eher selten, sich an der frischen Luft zu bewegen und aufzuhalten, da wir doch die meiste Zeit des Tages in künstlich beleuchteten und klimatisierten Räumen verbringen. Es liegt in der Natur der Sache, das Golfplätze einfach mit dem Besten, das die Natur zu bieten hat, nämlich weite offene Flächen, herrliche Ausblicke, Baumgruppen und natürliche oder angelegte Wasserflächen aufwarten koennen. Golfspieler kommen oft hinaus, der Natur näher als viele andere und setzen sich dadurch auch häufiger der Gefahr aus, von Moskitos und Co. attackiert zu werden, die nun einmal im Gras und am Wasser heimisch sind.

Golfplätze sind in der Regel einzigartige Ökosysteme für viele Insekten, darunter leider auch die äußerst lästigen Stechmücken. Diese haben schon so manch schöne Golfrunde ruiniert, und Ihre Konzentration beim Putten gestört. Da Golf fast ausschließlich im Freien gespielt wird, wissen Sie natürlich nie, welches Insekt zubeißen wird. Deshalb empfiehlt es sich unbedingt, immer einen Insektenschutz dabei zu haben oder eine entsprechende Lotion, Creme oder Spray vor dem Golfspiel aufzutragen. In Supermärkten, Drogerien und Apotheken gibt es viele Produkte in allen Preislagen.

Eine Neuheit im Kampf gegen die Stechmücken ist das selbstklebende „Anti-Moskito Pflaster“, das mit einer Lösung aus Zitronengrasöl getränkt ist. Sie schneiden oder reißen einfach ein Stück ab, rubbeln die Oberfläche frei und kleben es auf Ihren Ärmel, ans Hosenbein oder auf die Kappe. Die Pflaster sollen sehr wirkungsvoll sein und sind in den meisten Apotheken und Golfshops erhältlich.

Noch frustrierender ist es, wenn Sie bei der Suche nach dem Ball nicht nur mit diesem, sondern auch mit einer Zecke zurückkommen.

Folgende Anti-Zecken Tipps können hilfreich sein : • Kontrollieren Sie nach jeder Golfrund,e ob sich Zecken am Körper, speziell auf dem Kopf, in den Achselhöhlen, den Hüften, im Bereich der Gürtellinie und in den Kniekehlen festgebissen haben.

• Wählen Sie helle Kleidung - Sie sehen die dunklen Zecken leichter.

• Ziehen Sie Socken an, die bis über die Fußgelenke reichen.

• Sprühen Sie unbedeckte Körperstellen mit einem Anti-Zeckenmittel ein.

• Stecken Sie Ihre Hosenbeine in die Socken, bevor Sie durch hohes Gras laufen oder in den Wald gehen • Duschen Sie direkt nach dem Golfspiel und verwenden Sie einen Waschlappen um eventuelle Zecken abzurubbeln.

• Waschen Sie Ihre Golfkleider oder legen Sie diese bei hoher Hitze für mindestens 20 Minuten in den Wäschetrockner. Das tötet die Zecken ab.

Die Schädlingsbekämpfung auf Golfplätzen ist natürlich eine wichtige Waffe im Kampf gegen die ungeliebten Beißerchen. In manchen Ländern unterliegt diese Art des Einsatzes von Chemikalien strengen Regeln. Golfer, die entweder empfindlich reagieren oder umweltbewusst sind, möchten sich bestimmt nicht allzu lange dieser chemischen Belastung aussetzen.

Reduzieren • • • •

Sie die chemische Belastung : Vermeiden Sie während des Spiels jeden Kontakt zwischen Gras und Mund.

Erkundigen Sie sich über die Art der eingesetzten Chemikalien.

Waschen Sie nach jeder Golfrunde gründlich Hände und Unterarme Finden Sie heraus, an welchen Tagen Chemikalien und Dünger eingesetzt werden und wählen Sie Ihre Golftage dementsprechend.

• Tragen Sie lange Hosen, wann immer die Witterung es erlaubt.

Sonnen- und Insektenschutz sollten, genau wie Ersatzbälle, immer mitgeführt werden, wenn Sie zu großen Golfrunden aufbrechen.

74 Asian tours

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

ACE SENDS ISHIKAWA SOARING IN PANASONIC OPEN

K

obe, September 25: Japanese teenage superstar Ryo Ishikawa shot a hole-in-one en route to a second round one-under-par 70 to lie one shot behind leader Ryuchi Oda at the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open on Saturday.

The 19-year-old produced the magical shot with a seven iron at the par three 187-yard sixth, his 15th hole of the day, at the Rokko Kokusai Golf Club’s East course to give himself a chance of winning the ¥150,000,000 (approximately US1.7 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

Oda, who missed his last two cuts and bidding for his second victory in Japan, bogeyed the last hole for a 70 to lead on four-under-par 138, with the final round to play on Sunday.

Late blemishes left Korea’s standout Noh Seung-yul, who leads the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, two shots off the pace as he battled to a 70 for tied fourth place with amongst others, title holder Daisuke Maruyama, Shingo Katayama, Australia’s Scott Hend and S.K. Ho of Korea.

The 33-year-old Oda, who shot three birdies against two bogeys, said: “I had a good lesson from my coach recently and I feel comfortable with my swing. I’m trying to not force extra power on the upper body and it seems to be working,” said Oda. Buffeting winds made life difficult for the field, with joint overnight leader Gaganjeet Bhullar of India amongst those who were blown off course. The 21-year-old Bhullar, a two-time winner in Asia, shot a 76 to fall five off the pace with one round to play.

Bad weather on Thursday forced organisers to reduce the Panasonic Open to a 54-hole affair.

The story of the day belonged to the dashing Ishikawa. After shooting nine straight pars, he endured a roller-coaster homeward nine with the ace, two birdies and three bogeys.

“Tough day, tougher than yesterday,” said Ishikawa, who is nicknamed the “Bashful Prince.” “The hole in one is the second in my career but the first time in a tournament. This is something to treasure.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London “It was a good shot into the wind which was blowing right to left. The shot was following the wind and it pitched one meter and then rolled in,” added Ishikawa, who earned ¥1 million (approximately US$12,000) for his ace.

He got his wish of forcing his way into the final group tomorrow as he chases a ninth Japan Tour victory. “I’m going to try to play three or four under tomorrow. It’ll be tough conditions again and the first two holes are very tough holes, so if I can keep par on those holes, itwill be very good,” said Ishikawa.

Noh, 19, was kicking himself after dropping three shots late in his round after misjudging the winds on the sixth and eighth holes. “I just couldn’t get the wind right and dropped three shots there,” said Noh, who was four under through 13 holes with an eagle and two birdies.

He hit it out of bounds at the par three sixth hole and then drove into trouble on the eighth. However, the teen titan was confident of challenging for his second victory of the season.

“The game is feeling better than yesterday but the score is the same. I’m a few shots behind but it’s not a problem. The game feels better and I’ve got my confidence back. I can’t afford to drop any bogeys tomorrow,” said Noh, winner of the Maybank Malaysian Open in March.

Australia’s Marcus Fraser, trying to keep up with Noh in the merit race where he is ranked second, shot a 73 to lie one behind the Korean.

“I just didn’t play well although I only missed one fairway. It was pretty tricky with the winds which came up and down. It was frustrating to make some ordinary mistakes.”

Bhullar, who won the season-opening Asian Tour International in Bangkok, was disappointed he fell off the pace. “Conditions were quite tough. I didn’t hit the ball as good as yesterday and the iron play wasn’t up to the mark,” said the young Indian.

Asian tours 75

The cut was set at five-over-par 147.

Leading second round scores 138 - Ryuichi Oda (JPN) 68-70 139 - Ryo Ishikawa (JPN) 69-70, Shintaro Kai (JPN) 67-72 40 - Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) 68-72, Shingo Katayama (JPN) 69-71, S.K. Ho (KOR) 67-73, Michio Matsumura (JPN) 6971, Michael Hendry (NZL) 70-70, Noh Seung-yul (KOR) 70-70, Scott Hend (AUS) 72-68 141 - Dinesh Chand (FIJ) 69-72, Jang Ik-jae (KOR) 69-72, Brendan Jones (AUS) 71-70, Tony Carolan (AUS) 71-70, Kazuhiko Hosokawa (JPN) 67-74, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 68-73, Sushi Ishigaki (JPN) 74-67 142 - Komei Oda (JPN) 69-73, Liang Wenchong (CHN) 70-72, Kim Kyung-tae (KOR) 70-72, Tomohiro Kondo (JPN) 70-72, Hiroyuki Fujita (JPN) 71-71, Yoshikazu Haku (JPN) 70-72, Peter Karmis (RSA) 71-71 143 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 67-76, Tadahiro Takayama (JPN) 71-72, Shinichi Yokota (JPN) 71-72, Hirofumi Miyase (JPN) 69-74, Cho Min-gyu (KOR) 69-74, Anthony Kang (USA) 69-74, Adam Blyth (AUS) 72-71

About the Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised panAsian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Pan Pacific (Official Hotel), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball).

76 Golf tips

Golf tips and strategy

BILLY NARRAINA MAURITIUS PROFESSIONAL GOLF CHAMPION 2009 TEEING OFF-ALIGNMENT & SET UP Abschlag – Haltung, Ausrichtung und Aufstellung This is a part of the game where there’s one of the biggest differences between a touring pro and the average player. It all sums up to how well each golfer aligns himself. The tour professionals will rarely make alignment mistakes; of course they may not always hit the exact distance to a precise target, but they rarely do blunders when aligning themselves, because this is an automatic process, a result of years of practice. Conversely, the average player does not pay enough attention to alignment; as a consequence, the end result is poor direction.

An der Körperhaltung erkennt man die Unterschiede zwischen einem Golfpro und einem Amateur. Der Pro wird selten Fehler bei der Haltung machen, vielleicht wird er nicht immer die richtige Entfernung zum Ziel schlagen, aber er macht selten Fehler bei der Ausrichtung, da ihnen dies durch jahrelange Praxis in Fleisch und Blut übergegangen ist. Im Gegensatz dazu achtet der Amateur einfach nicht genug auf seine Haltung und hat dadurch eine schlechte Ballführung.

The first step is to stand behind your ball about 8-10 feet and try to think of an imaginary line from your ball to the target and remember you need to be able to see (of course again an imaginary straight line) from your ball all the way to your intended target and after you have decide on your target line look at the ground and find an intermediate target and this can be a discoloration of the grass, a divot etc: and this will be your alignment target when you set up to hit the ball.

Zu Beginn stehen Sie ca. 8 bis 10 Fuss hinter dem Ball und stellen sich eine imaginäre Gerade zwischen Ball und Ziel vor, vergessen Sie nicht, Sie müssen den ganzen Weg vom Ball bis zum angestrebten Ziel „sehen“ können (natürlich als imaginäre Gerade).

Wenn Sie Ihre Ziellinie gefunden haben, halten Sie auf dem Boden Ausschau nach einem tatsächlichen Zwischenziel – das kann eine Farbabweichung im Gras, ein Stück beschädigter Rasen usw. sein. Dies wird Ihr Ausrichtungsziel bei der Aufstellung zum Abschlag sein.

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Golf tips 77

The second step is to set up the body:

Der zweite Schritt ist die Ausrichtung des Körpers:

Align your body parallel left of the target line (if you are left handed align parallel right) and all parts of your body need to line up to the parallel line, your toes, knees, hips, shoulders and eyes must be on a the same parallel line of the intended target .

Stellen Sie sich links, parallel zur Ziellini – Linkshänder stellen sich rechts parallel zur Ziellinie. Jeder Teil Ihres Körpers muss gerade zur Parallellinie stehen, Ihre Zehen, Knie, Hüften, Schultern und Augen sind parallel zum angestrebten Ziel ausgerichtet.

Finally, the best way to check your target once you are set is to swivel your head and allow your eyes to follow the imaginary parallel line. A very important rule: do not lift your head to check alignment, as you will almost certainly misalign your upper body:

Nach der Aufstellung prüfen Sie Ihr Ziel, Sie drehen den Kopf und folgen mit den Augen der imaginären parallelen Linie. Wichtig ist, dass Sie Ihren Kopf nicht anheben, da Sie ansonsten garantiert Ihren Oberkörper verlagern.

78 Astrology

Martin Kaymer

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London

Astrology 79

ARJUN CHAKRABORTY’s GOLFERS PREDICTIONS ‘RED HOT’ KAYMER Dear friends, in the previous issues I have focussed my predictions on golfers who have already been in the top five or six. Some of my predictions have found great fulfilment, whereas some are not doing that well. Particularly, Steve Stricker and Ian Poulter have performed quite disappointingly since I wrote positive words about them. But, I have full confidence that both Mr. Stricker and Mr. Poulter will soon deliver the goods and do justice to their abilities. But friends, the attention of the whole golfing fraternity has been literally snatched by a few brilliant talents recently, whom nobody can dare to ignore.

At the top of this special list sits ‘Red Hot Kaymer’ or Martin Kaymer of Germany who finished in the top ten in both the US Open and the Open Championships, following them up with the ‘Big Bang’ by winning the US PGA Championship. What a remarkable run ! Is he the next Tiger Woods ? Questions like this have started to rise already. Considering his young age and supreme talent, one cannot rule out this possibility. Now, I look at his next one year on the field through the planetary magnifying glasses.

Martin Kaymer’s chances of performing well throughout the next one year looks very good indeed. Although during the rest of the season, he may not do that well occasionally, but the next season particularly will go according to his liking. Sun, the astrological planet which plays a very important role in conferring glory and fame is truly in a highly elevated position for him now. But, during the rest of 2010, a bit of complacency is on the cards for him. He needs to be careful to avoid this. Besides, some problems related to personal life can also steal his concentration sometimes. But, in spite of these hindrances, I have no doubt that he will continue with his fine performances in 2011. I cannot promise that he is the next Tiger, but he definitely has the ability and strength of character to build a long and highly successful golfing career, although there will be occasional spans of low energy or slight laziness due to Moon-Saturn aspect. I hope to see him win at least one major in 2011.

Bye for now, but we shall stay in touch !

Prof. Arjun Chakraborty.

Kolkata, India. chakrabortyarjun@yahoo.co.in ( for personal predictions )

80 Directory

Adopt-A-Golfer - Swingtime Mauritius

Level 6, Victoria House, Barracks Street, Port Louis Tel: (230) 213 3399 Fax: (230) 213 3342 admin@marketinfodirect.com www.swingtimegolf.co.za

Arjun CHAKRABORTY (Astrologer) chakrabortyarjun@yahoo.co.in

Fair Acres Hotel

4 Bosbou Street, Thesen’s Hill, Knysna, 6571 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)44 302 2000 Fax: +27 (0)44 302 2000 reservations@fairacreshotel.com www.fairacreshotel.com

Fashion Page - Emotions Golf Events Ltd Royal Road, Avenue Bois de Corail Tamarin, Mauritius Tel/Fax: (230) 483 6282 Mobile: (230) 711 1600 info@emotionsgolf.com www.emotionsgolf.com

Market Info Direct (Mtius) Ltd

Level 6, Victoria House, Barracks Street, Port Louis Tel: (230) 213 3399 - Fax: (230) 213 3342 admin@marketinfodirect.com www.marketinfodirect.com

Mikado

P. O. Box 359 Port Louis Tel: (230) 211 0007 - Fax: (230) 208 8103 admin@mikado.com www.mikado.mu

Private Property Ltd

Level 6, Victoria House, Barracks Street, Port Louis Tel: (230) 213 3399 - Fax: (230) 213 3342 admin@marketinfodirect.com

Poncini Ltd

2, Jules Koenig Street, Port Louis Tel: (230) 212 0818 - Fax: (230) 208 8850 www.poncini.com

Ruth Linder Peter Foundation ruth-linder@bluewin.ch

Skyprops

Level 6, Victoria House, Barracks Street, Port Louis Tel: (230) 213 3399 - Fax: (230) 213 3342 info@skyprops.co.za www.skyprops.co.za

Swingtime issue 12 www.swingtimegolf.co.za in association with TIMESONLINE of London