Background
Morne Botha is a PGA Professional and the CEO of JONDO Sunglasses USA, bringing decades of experience in golf, technology, and business innovation. His career began as a tour player, before shifting focus to golf business, where he founded a junior golf academy and later launched a digital golf media platform that served as a communication partner for the PGAs of Europe.
With a deep passion for sports science and technology, he developed a sports talent identification program through brain-based profiling. He later helped revitalize one of Africa’s premier Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses before serving as General Manager for Duca del Cosma Golf Footwear.
In 2024, Morne took ownership of JONDO USA, recognizing its groundbreaking eyewear technology as the missing link in golf performance.
The Morne Story
Golf has always been my passion—first as a player, then as a coach, businessman, and innovator. I’ve spent my career working at the intersection of golf and technology, constantly searching for ways to help golfers perform better. One area that has been severely overlooked is vision—how golfers see the course, read greens, and maintain focus for hours under intense conditions.
When I was introduced to JONDO’s lens technology, it was a revelation. For the first time, eyewear was engineered specifically for golf—not just for reducing glare but for enhancing clarity, depth perception, and contrast. It made me question why golfers spend thousands on clubs but wear sunglasses that actually harm their performance. The moment I put them on, I knew this was a game-changer.
That’s why I decided to bring JONDO to the USA—to give golfers access to eyewear that actually enhances their game, just like the right clubs or a perfectly fit pair of shoes. With JONDO, we’re not just selling sunglasses; we’re providing a performance tool that’s already trusted by legends like Ernie Els, Mark Immelman, and tour professionals worldwide.
You wake up in the morning – what’s the driving passion?
My passion is helping golfers perform at their best. Whether it’s through technology, coaching, or business, I love solving problems that improve a golfer’s experience. JONDO is the next evolution—giving players the right eyewear to elevate their game.
What was the genesis for JONDO?
JONDO was born out of a simple question: Why do golfers wear eyewear that isn’t made for golf?
Traditional sunglasses block essential light, reduce depth perception, and create visual distortion. JONDO was created to fix this problem, using optometry-standard technology to enhance clarity, contrast, and focus—specifically for golf.
What differentiates your efforts versus competition in the same lane space?
Unlike other brands, JONDO doesn’t just sell sunglasses—we engineer golf-specific eyewear using advanced spectral filtration technology.
We don’t chase fashion trends or release new styles every season; instead, we focus on timeless performance-driven designs.
Every product we offer is tested, tracked, and optimized to improve a golfer’s ability to see and perform.
Who is your customer?
Our customers range from tour professionals to everyday golfers who want a competitive edge.
Private club members, competitive amateurs, and golf enthusiasts looking for the best performance gear are drawn to JONDO because they recognize the importance of vision in their game.
How are you marketing the product?
We’re using a multi-channel strategy, including:
•Green Grass Pro Shops – giving golfers direct access to JONDO through elite golf clubs.
•Retail Partnerships – expanding into premium golf retailers and online platforms.
•Tour Player & Industry Influencers – featuring Mark Immelman, Ernie Els, and top players who swear by JONDO.
•Trade Shows & Events – direct engagement at major golf expos like the PGA Show.
•Social Media & Digital Campaigns – leveraging targeted ads, video content, and product education.
Biggest mistake people make when selecting sunglasses is what?
Choosing fashion over function. Most golfers wear polarized sunglasses, thinking they help, but in reality, they cut out key light waves needed for depth perception.
Without the right lens application, they misread greens, misjudge distances, and experience eye fatigue.
What specific attributes does JONDO provide for those who want sunglasses but ones ideally suited for playing golf?
•Spectral Filtration Technology – Enhances contrast and color separation for sharper vision.
•Precision Depth Perception – Golfers can read greens and judge slopes more accurately.
•Anti-Fatigue Lens Design – Reduces eye strain, keeping golfers focused for longer.
•Lightweight, Performance-Optimized Frames – Designed for comfort and stability during play.
Many companies tout the importance of customer service. Define the term and the approach followed.
Customer service isn’t just about support—it’s about partnership. We work closely with retailers, golf professionals, and customers to ensure they get the right product for their needs. If a style isn’t performing, we refine it or replace it. We track every unit sold to ensure the highest sell-through rates for our partners.
Approximate sales percentage among the following: green grass shops, online, and brick and mortar retail outlets.
Our current breakdown:
•Green Grass Shops (Private & Resort Golf Clubs): 60%
•Brick & Mortar Retailers: 25%
•Online Sales: 15% and growing rapidly
The priority is getting JONDO into elite golf facilities, where players can experience the benefits firsthand.
Biggest challenges facing the company – short and long term is what? And what specific strategies are you developing / implementing in dealing with each?
•Short-Term Challenge:
Expanding U.S. Market Penetration – Many golfers don’t yet realize that traditional sunglasses hurt their game.
Solution: Education & Awareness Campaigns through tour pros, media, and on-course demos.
•Long-Term Challenge:
Scaling While Maintaining Quality – As demand grows, ensuring that every JONDO product meets our strict performance standards is critical.
Solution: We are closely monitoring production and investing in R&D, ensuring our technology remains the industry leader.
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