"Please do not allow any one individual to change what we have all created together. Together we can eradicate intolerance of any kind within these fences"
Full text:
It's late at night - I'm sitting in my hotel room in Cape Town reflecting on the disgusting and unfortunate events of the past few days (if you haven't already heard, Nathan, one of our long time GPGE pro's was severely beaten at World of Golf) and feel compelled to share with you my thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Sometimes negative events take place over which you as parent, leader, manager, staff member, etc. have no control. Systems and procedures are put in place to ensure the safety of all, and yet, despite these efforts, an action by one or two individuals tends to threaten the peaceful, non-racial, sporting environment you have created for your staff, members, guests and their families.
As co-Founder and Architect, I (and I know, the management team of the World of Golf) refuse to allow such individuals to impact on the positive and homely atmosphere created here.
I, personally, have been overwhelmed by the support and concern we have received from all of you, our members and partners. I would expect no less. Together we make the World of Golf what it is: a family-oriented, friendly and unintimidating environment in which to improve your golf and have some fun. I have been uplifted by the response from members who consider themselves stakeholders in this facility. Many of you have expressed your feelings of loyalty and support for our "club". You have repeatedly said how regrettable it is that such an incident could take place at "the wonderful World of Golf". Many express disbelief that something like this could happen in the first place. Many of you have called me personally and offered messages of support. Thank you. You've also voiced valid concerns which are both helpful and motivating in terms of both member and staff safety. All are being looked into and will be addressed - I promise.
In truth, these incidents are hard to predict and often difficult to understand, specifically in the club we call home, and where many enjoyable hours are spent. Mostly, I have been overwhelmed by the true affection that is shown to World of Golf by its members. Members are annoyed and enraged that such an incident could happen on their territory. You have shown that you love being with us and look forward to your visits here.
Please do not allow any one individual to change what we have all created together. Together we can eradicate intolerance of any kind within these fences. You have already shown you are part of our team: let’s ensure that the World of Golf continues to strive for a sport and leisure facility with no boundaries of race or gender or age.
Thank you for all the support that will truly see us through and past this incident.
To give you feedback, the family involved, although not members, have been permanently banned from all our facilities.
The police, who were on the scene within 4 or 5 minutes, arrested and charged the perpetrator of the violence. Now the law needs to take its course, but I have no doubt, justice must and will be served.
Nathan is still in a serious but stable condition in hospital. He is in need of an operation, which will happen once the swelling is down. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family who have our full support in all matters during and after his recovery.
As mentioned previously, your safety is our concern. We treat security and the safety of all as our #1 priority. We have learnt a lot in the past few days. Additional steps are being put into place to ensure your and your families safety.
I feel I also need to comment on the claim that I did not want to press charges and recommended to Nathan and his family not to. This I deny emphatically. Pressing charges was never and can never be in debate. What is true, is the fact that I (like everyone else) was primarily concerned about Nathan and felt he needed to get to the hospital ASAP. It was my perception that this was being delayed while the police established what took place.
After speaking to one of the officers in charge I was told that the charges could still be pressed the following day, without any compromise to the case, and so I made the recommendation that Nathan be taken to hospital immediately and that the police case could be opened in the morning. There was DEFINITELY no desire or recommendation to not press charges. That is unthinkable.
If you would like to take up any issues with me personally, please feel free to mail me darryle@theproshop.co.za
Assuring you my best attention at all times,
Darryl
Posted: Tuesday 2013-01-15 07:32
Letter from Darryl Egdes (Owner) regarding incident at the World of Golf
"Please do not allow any one individual to change what we have all created together. Together we can eradicate intolerance of any kind within these fences"
Full text:
It's late at night - I'm sitting in my hotel room in Cape Town reflecting on the disgusting and unfortunate events of the past few days (if you haven't already heard, Nathan, one of our long time GPGE pro's was severely beaten at World of Golf) and feel compelled to share with you my thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Sometimes negative events take place over which you as parent, leader, manager, staff member, etc. have no control. Systems and procedures are put in place to ensure the safety of all, and yet, despite these efforts, an action by one or two individuals tends to threaten the peaceful, non-racial, sporting environment you have created for your staff, members, guests and their families.
As co-Founder and Architect, I (and I know, the management team of the World of Golf) refuse to allow such individuals to impact on the positive and homely atmosphere created here.
I, personally, have been overwhelmed by the support and concern we have received from all of you, our members and partners. I would expect no less. Together we make the World of Golf what it is: a family-oriented, friendly and unintimidating environment in which to improve your golf and have some fun. I have been uplifted by the response from members who consider themselves stakeholders in this facility. Many of you have expressed your feelings of loyalty and support for our "club". You have repeatedly said how regrettable it is that such an incident could take place at "the wonderful World of Golf". Many express disbelief that something like this could happen in the first place. Many of you have called me personally and offered messages of support. Thank you. You've also voiced valid concerns which are both helpful and motivating in terms of both member and staff safety. All are being looked into and will be addressed - I promise.
In truth, these incidents are hard to predict and often difficult to understand, specifically in the club we call home, and where many enjoyable hours are spent. Mostly, I have been overwhelmed by the true affection that is shown to World of Golf by its members. Members are annoyed and enraged that such an incident could happen on their territory. You have shown that you love being with us and look forward to your visits here.
Please do not allow any one individual to change what we have all created together. Together we can eradicate intolerance of any kind within these fences. You have already shown you are part of our team: let’s ensure that the World of Golf continues to strive for a sport and leisure facility with no boundaries of race or gender or age.
Thank you for all the support that will truly see us through and past this incident.
To give you feedback, the family involved, although not members, have been permanently banned from all our facilities.
The police, who were on the scene within 4 or 5 minutes, arrested and charged the perpetrator of the violence. Now the law needs to take its course, but I have no doubt, justice must and will be served.
Nathan is still in a serious but stable condition in hospital. He is in need of an operation, which will happen once the swelling is down. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family who have our full support in all matters during and after his recovery.
As mentioned previously, your safety is our concern. We treat security and the safety of all as our #1 priority. We have learnt a lot in the past few days. Additional steps are being put into place to ensure your and your families safety.
I feel I also need to comment on the claim that I did not want to press charges and recommended to Nathan and his family not to. This I deny emphatically. Pressing charges was never and can never be in debate. What is true, is the fact that I (like everyone else) was primarily concerned about Nathan and felt he needed to get to the hospital ASAP. It was my perception that this was being delayed while the police established what took place.
After speaking to one of the officers in charge I was told that the charges could still be pressed the following day, without any compromise to the case, and so I made the recommendation that Nathan be taken to hospital immediately and that the police case could be opened in the morning. There was DEFINITELY no desire or recommendation to not press charges. That is unthinkable.
If you would like to take up any issues with me personally, please feel free to mail me darryle@theproshop.co.za
Assuring you my best attention at all times,
Darryl
Posted: Tuesday 2013-01-15 07:32
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