11/15/05

By Pete Kowalski, IGF

Stellenbosch, South Africa – The way Neale Kunhardt popped out of his rental van with a spring in his step and two overflowing satchels of paperwork in his hands you'd never know he'd been up since 4 a.m.

He looked more like a lawyer carrying documentation to a trial -- not the independent accountant he actually works as in his business life. However, in this early November week in the Western Cape's wine-growing region, he was neither.

Stellenbosch will be one of two clubs to host the men's and women's events. (Pete Kowalski/USGA)

As chairman of the host country's organizing committee for the 2006 World Amateur Team Championships, Kunhardt was just heading to another meeting. It was one of many he'd attend or coordinate that week. Whether it was chauffeuring an airport run, calling the local restaurant to change dinner time, shuffling his full schedule or pulling a committee person aside for a quick chat, Kunhardt handled it all with aplomb.

If this was a symphony, Kunhardt was its maestro. That's because the International Golf Federation paid its typical year-out visit in advance of the championships and someone needed to play the role of conductor. It was also an opportunity for IGF representatives to review all aspects of this international golf event.

The Women's World Amateur Team Championship will be held Oct. 18-21, followed by the men's version Oct. 26-29. Both will be played at De Zalze and Stellenbosch Golf Clubs.

"As an organization we needed to know that we were thinking along the same lines as the IGF and that our planning to date was in the right direction," said Kunhardt. "To do this, we needed to set up a program that would emphasize the beauty of the Stellenbosch area and that precise organization can be achieved in the midst of South African hospitality."

Kunhardt, vice president of the South African Golf Association, carried a plastic schedule folder like a track coach holding a stop watch. That folder contained the itinerary for more than 30 principles: the IGF staff and the local committee (representatives from SAGA, Women's Golf South Africa), the two golf courses and Worldsport, an event management company. 

"This traditional ‘one-year-out' trip is the first real chance for all parties involved to meet and discuss the operational aspects of the championship in detail," said Stephanie Parel, joint deputy secretary of the IGF. "We review everything from starters on the golf course, to captains meetings, to transportation from the airport. It is also a time of bonding and enthusiasm for the sake of common goals, and a great spirit of cooperation and energy always emerges."

Kunhardt and his organizers efficiently put together a slate of meetings that addressed topics such as the review of the IGF operations manual, course set-up, choice of sites for IGF offices and facilities like scoring central and the media center, and visits to the partner hotels as well as social, recreational and site-seeing possibilities for delegates, captains and players.

"It was a very positive series of meetings, which reinforced our view that the players, captains, delegates and supporters attending these championships from all over the world will have a great experience in South Africa," said Grant Moir, IGF joint deputy secretary. "The administration of the event and the golf courses are well on track. One can't help but be impressed by the range of activities available away from the golf courses."

In addition to their full days of meeting and visits, the IGF staff was given a hospitable South African welcome. They visited a local Pan-African restaurant where ostrich, springbok and venison were on the menu, and local singers and dancers entertained. Wine-tasting, in an open-air courtyard, preceded dinner another evening.

Kunhardt joined in on all the social activities but was typically wearing multiple hats, so to speak. He was always the driver and/or tour guide.

"To me, meeting planes at midnight or 6 a.m. made no difference because we were taking care of personal attention," said Kunhardt. "Driving our guests 1,500 kilometers during the week was a pleasure."

Kunhardt was the first to arrive and the last to leave, staying a full week. He and his organizing committee have a clear path ahead until South Africa's summer of 2006.

"The reaction from the organization team was one of relief at the end of the visit, but the visit kindled a new resolve to continue with our plans at a higher level with the knowledge that we have the support of the IGF," said Kunhardt. "South Africa has produced a number of star golfers over the years. This opportunity to host the world will not be missed for the future of all the up-and-coming golfers in the country. We want to show the world what a wonderful country we live in and share the pleasures and splendor with as many people as possible."

For more information about the WATC, please visit www.worldamateur2006.org or the official site at http://www.internationalgolffederation.org/index.html.