Tee-ing off: Young Golfers Get Ready To Take On The World
The popularity of Netflix’s new golfing reality show, Full Swing, and the constant presence of golfers on ‘most paid athletes’ lists has helped reignite a passion for the sport among young South Africans. For those with the talent, golf can be a gateway to a life many could only dream of and through a series of recent golf clinics, Vuma is helping young South Africans feed those dreams.
On the 22nd of February, Vuma, South Africa’s biggest fibre network operator, hosted the latest in an unforgettable series of golf clinics at Copperleaf Golf Estate. The event saw a diverse group of hungry young golfers paired with coaches who spent the day helping them improve their skills.
“My dad loves playing golf and when I was five or six he decided to take me with him. Ever since then I have been addicted to the game and have always wanted to get better. That’s why I came today,” said 14-year-old Zinan Maimane
A few meters away from him practising her swing, 12-year-old Amy Stanton, echoed his statement, “I’ve been playing golf for three years now and got into it because my family is really into the sport. I practice with the net at my house and on golf days like this. My dream is to one day join the Ladies Professional Golf Association.”
Founded by former professional golfer Nico Van Rensburg, these clinics were formed as his way to share his love for the sport with the new generation and hopefully have a hand in developing the next Ernie Els. Already, some of his former students have been able to travel overseas to pursue their golf dreams. Daniel Bennett for example, one of Nico’s star pupils, has already competed in multiple international competitions and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
“I love the way that golf tests me and thanks to golf I am hoping to have the chance to study in the USA.”
Leorin Pillay, a former Sunshine Tour player and one of the coaches on the day said, “I have always had a huge passion for working with juniors so, after playing on the tour for 5 years, I moved into this space. The beauty of golf is that no matter what kind of home you come from, it can teach you discipline, respect and perseverance and those are such important lessons for young people.”
While previously thought of as a very difficult sport to get into, the day was a testament to the power of technology in sport and how it can help young people reach their dreams and with the help of expert coaches and through mentorship programmes like Vuma’s golf clinics helping young golfers hone their skills and become future champions.
The Vuma Golf Clinics that will take place throughout the year in various locations around the Western Cape, Free State and Gauteng provinces.
