ALBERTON- In a continuous effort to promote the game of golf in previously disadvantaged communities within Ekurhuleni, Executive Mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele recently hosted a junior golf day.
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The launch of the golf development programme took place at Reading Country Club in Alberton, on Wednesday, October 7. It was a dream come true for approximately 40 golfers, aged between six and 13 years old, from various development clubs, who set foot on the golf course to play a nine-hole game and receive some coaching as well.
The manager of the Ekurhuleni Sport Academy, Boycie Ntlwane, says the young people who took part on Wednesday were the first intake into the academy in terms of golf. “We will now focus on developing them. We have so much raw talent; let’s see where it takes these youngsters.”
MMC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Councillor Dora Mlambo, was amazed at the talent. “Even the little ones can hit the ball. I want them to teach me, I don’t know how to play golf yet.” she said with a smile.
Head PGA professional at Reading Country Club, Donovan Main, coached the children in terms of their swings on the actual fairway while Barry Bothma, the golf director, and Gavin Fraser, a third year PGA apprentice, focused on the children’s putting.
An excited Thato Bodibe (28) from Katlehong said this day was very special for her as she doesn’t have many opportunities to actually play on a golf course. Thato was one of the young people instrumental in getting the ball rolling to start the academy.
Over the past years, the city of Ekurhuleni has been the proud host of the prestigious SA Open Championship and this golf day is a continuation of the city’s vision to develop the game in the region.
