Bheki Hlatshwayo (56) says his love for golf started in 1971 when he was still a student.
His parents could not afford to buy him the golf equipment he needed, but that did not discourage him.
Thinking back about the days when he was still a young boy, Hlatshwayo remembers that he depended on weekend jobs to be able to have lunch at school. He used to work at one of the golf courses in Springs.
As time went on, Hlatshwayo stopped playing the sport he loved so much to start his own family.
“I needed to look for a job so that I can be able to look after my family,” said Hlatshwayo.
After years of working, Hlatshwayo eventually retired and went back to playing golf.
When asked what he loves most about golf, he said it helps him relieve stress and to always be at peace with everyone around him.
He says the challenge that the golfers in KwaThema face is a lack of a proper training facility.
Hlatshwayo says because the grass grows fast, unlike the soccer fields at the sports complex, it takes time for their training golf course to be maintained and be in an acceptable condition.
“If the field can be well looked after, I have no doubt that golf will grow in the township,” he says.
He concludes by encouraging the youth to be involved in sport.
