Raymond
Ackerman
Golf Academy
Education
Life Skills
Golf
Education
Life Skills
Golf
At RAGA, we believe that academic success is the cornerstone of a student's future. Our intensive education programme provides every learner with a full schedule of academic tuition from highly qualified tutors and teachers covering nine key subjects.
Beyond standard classroom support, students have access to dedicated IT assistance, individual laptops, and high-speed campus Wi-Fi to ensure they are equipped for the digital age. This commitment to excellence is reflected in our results, with our matriculants consistently achieving Bachelor-level passes and transitioning into prestigious tertiary institutions like UCT and Stellenbosch.
Character development at the academy is structured around the prestigious Founders Award, a multi-level journey (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) that challenges students to grow through leadership and service. Our learners engage in meaningful community service, from food preparation at local kitchens to environmental recycling initiatives.
The highlight of the year is our annual four-day leadership camp, where students master teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through activities like night hiking and kayaking. From cultural outings to specialized swimming coaching, we ensure our students are well-rounded and ready for the world.
Golf is the heartbeat of the academy and the foundation upon which RAGA was built. In partnership with the world-class Clovelly Country Club, our students receive professional coaching from PGA-certified experts like Dave Matthews. This isn't just a hobby; it is a discipline that teaches focus and resilience.
While all students enjoy the privilege of training on one of the country's most beautiful courses, our top-performing athletes represent the academy in major championships and the annual Raymond Ackerman Invitational. By attending professional tournaments such as the Cape Town Open, our students are inspired to see golf not just as a game, but as a gateway to professional opportunities.
The Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy (RAGA) is a transformative youth development program dedicated to shaping lives through the intersection of sport, academic excellence, and character building.
We identify high-potential learners from Grade 10 at Ocean View and Masiphumelele, providing them with a holistic growth path through to Grade 12. By combining professional golf coaching with robust educational support and essential life skills training, we bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Our success is measured by our legacy: a thriving network of alumni currently enrolled in tertiary education and leading change in their communities.
In 2003, Clovelly Country Club launched a golf and caddy development programme to encourage transformation in golf. Young people living in the nearby areas of Ocean View and Masiphumelele would benefit not only from learning the skills required to play golf but also from the life skills inherent in the game.
This programme was gradually expanded to meet the needs of the children and in 2007 Jonathan Ackerman founded the Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy as a Trust. He took on the responsibility of Chairman and nominated Trustees who shared his passion for giving the children in our communities a fairer chance in life.
Over the years, RAGA has grown into a unique youth development programme offering extensive after school academic support, a wide range of life skills activities and coaching in the fundamentals of golf under the guidance of qualified PGA professionals.
Director
Life Skills Co-ordinator
Transport Manager
Golf Coach
Debbie@ragaclovelly.co.za
+27 83 326 1505
177 Clovelly Road, Clovelly
Cape Town, 7975