Catching up with Jayden Schaper
The Benoni City Times have been catching up with many of the known faces of Benoni, to see how they are getting on during this Pandemic, and how the lockdown has affected them, if at all.
The City Times recently touched base with Jayden Schaper, a young Benonian who is now embracing the professional side of golf:
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How has the lockdown affected your plans for the year?
“My plans were to go over to the UK and play on the Challenge Tour as well as a few events on the European Tour. My goal was to get off to a good start on the Challenge Tour and earn my European Tour card for next season but obviously now almost everything has changed. I am also grateful to have earned my Sunshine Tour card so I will have some options for the rest of the year.We are still waiting to know what’s happening but will find out shortly as things progress.”
How have you been practicing and training during the lockdown?
“My dad and I have built a net outside in the garden where I do my drills. I have also had FaceTime sessions with my coach Grant Veenstra. We are still doing the same work and keeping to our routine. I have also had some time to focus on some speed and strength training in the gym which we wanted to achieve and will help with injury prevention.”
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What has been most frustrating for you during the lockdown?
“There hasn’t been enough clarification about the return of the sport and when I could get myself back out on the course. There are some areas I needed to work on having just turned professional so it has been frustrating not being able for example to work with my fitness instructor.”
What are you most disappointed about losing out on this year?
“I had some European Tour invites pending, but those events have been cancelled. Fortunately I have a great management team and I’m positive they will secure more invites as soon as things start to open up.
What are your plans for when the lockdown is uplifted?
“I’m going to ease into it, I am excited to play some rounds of golf. We have a pretty big and close family so I cannot wait to get together with all of them as well as see my mates to catch up.”
Has this at all put a hold on your professional career?
“Yes it has and that would be the same for pretty much every other professional out there. It is unfortunate as I had just turned professional and was looking forward to my first season traveling and playing on tour but no one could of known this was going to happen. All we can do now is focus on the future and to come out of the lockdown with a positive and stronger attitude. We plan to make the most of what is left of the season.”
What advice can he give other aspiring golfers during this time?
“This is a tough time for everyone, but we are still blessed to have opportunities to play this great game. I would say go back to basics, ease into your routine, take things slowly, enjoy the return and never take things for granted again.”
