Ruald Strydom

Cornelius Ruald Strydom GCOB (born 9 March 1985) is a South African entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is the founder of CEO GOLF. Strydom is an active philanthropist, associated with several charities and organizations.
In 2022 Strydom was honored by the 46th President of the United States, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award (also referred to the President's Call to Service Award). The President's Call to Service Award is awarded by the President of the United States to people who have completed more than 4,000 hours of community service. It is the highest level of the President's Volunteer Service Award.
In 2023, Strydom was awarded a South African National Order; the Order of the Baobab (Grand Counsellor of the Baobab) by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, in recognition for his outstanding role as a global philanthropist. His work has gained him recognition from leaders around the world. The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africans can receive. The President of the Republic of South Africa bestows a national order upon a South African citizen or member of the international community who has contributed towards making South Africa a democratic and successful country.
==Early life and education==
Strydom was born in Pretoria, South Africa. He attended Barberton Primary School and Barberton High School. 
At a young age, Ruald was instilled with a passion for golf by his grandfather, Corrie Strydom. This passion led him to become a certified golf teaching professional from the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) in 2007. In addition to his golfing credentials, Strydom holds an MMBA from the University at Buffalo and certifications in various fields such as Organizational Analysis, Calculus, Brand Management, Fundamentals of Engineering and Corporate Strategy from renowned universities such as Stanford, University of Sydney, University of London and Georgia Institute of Technology.
==Career==
Strydom started his career as a tour caddie in 2004 on the Sunshine Tour and other co-sanctioned events. The Sunshine Tour is a men's professional golf tour based in Southern and East Africa. In 2010, Strydom established CEO GOLF as an exclusive networking club for global CEOs. Since its establishment, CEO GOLF has become exclusive gatherings for CEOs and golf tournaments worldwide.
==Philanthropy==
Strydom's philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy. He has been involved in humanitarian and philanthropy work for over a decade and has earned numerous awards and recognition for his contributions. He advanced his education in humanitarianism from UNICEF, the United Nations, Humanitarian Leadership Academy, the United States Institute of Peace, UNITAR and the World Health Organization.
In 2010, Ruald founded the CEO GOLF Give-Back Initiative. This Initiative provides donations to local charities, those that dedicate their lives to feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and giving vulnerable children support.
During the global spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ruald went into the most impoverished and unskilled communities and provided food and other much-needed supplies. As a helicopter pilot, he also assisted charities and organizations in transporting food and medical supplies to remote villages and townships in rural areas.
==Awards and recognitions==
* South African National Order; The Order of Baobab (GCOB) (2023)
* The President's Call to Service Award, United States (2022)
* Humanitarian Social Service Award (2022)
* Global Humanitarian Award (2021)
* Letter of appreciation from The Democratic Alliance, a South African political party for his contribution to South Africa. (2021)
* HPass Humanitarian Learner of the Year (2021 & 2022 & 2023)
* World Golf Teachers Federation (WGTF) Top 50 Teachers (2022-2023)
==Personal life==
Ruald lives in Pretoria, South Africa, is married to his wife Cinnedene, a celebrity makeup artist who owns Cinnedene Studios.
==Gallery==
==References==
==External links==
* Official website
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* Ruald Strydom on YouTube
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Category:1985 births
Category:South African businesspeople
Category:South African golfers
Category:South African philanthropists
Category:University at Buffalo alumni
Category:Living people