From Rynfield to Scotland, this golfer has it down to a tee
Keown’s success was not achieved only through guidance and training but also through hard work and love for a sport which has been in his family’s DNA for years.
When Keown Botha’s maternal grandfather handed him a golf club and showed him a proper grip the seven-year-old never looked back.
That lesson was key to building a consistent swing, which his father, Nico, said came naturally, and has given him soft hands around the green.
Since then, he has won many domestic tournaments, made a name for himself abroad and scored his first official hole-in-one last month.
“We never expected him to be this successful so early,” Nico said.
Keown’s success was not achieved only through guidance and training but also through hard work and love for a sport which has been in his family’s DNA for years.
“We are proud. My dad used to play golf and was the club captain for SAPS Mechanical Golf Club for 21 years.When Keown showed interest in the sport, it was a proud moment for our family,” said Keown’s mom, Juanita.
Last month on the lush greens and spectacular bunkers of the Longniddry Golf Course in Scotland, the Laerskool Northmead learner earned a fourth-place finish during the European Championships on a staggered field of 50 competitors in the category for boys seven and younger.
“We had two great days where he was second. On the third day, we fought hard to get a fourth position,” said Nico, also Keown’s caddie.
Among some of his achievements internationally are fourth-place placing in the Venice Open and British Junior Championships last year.
“He started when he was small. He picked up a club and played. He had a naturally great swing. We supported him, and what he wants to do now is sport, especially golf.”
Keown enrolled at the Wanna Be a Champion Golf and Fitness Academy at Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate, where he showed his potential.
“The school guided us until a point. They told me we must start taking Keown to competitions because he was getting bored with not having a challenge,” said Nico.
Competitive by nature, Keown’s first competition was in Centurion in 2021 where he got third place. That paved the way for a successful South African Open, where he finished third last year and early this year.
Nico’s support has played an immense role in Keown’s career, resulting in the youngster finishing in the top five in all the competitions he played.
“We try not to put him under pressure. The biggest thing for parents is not to live their dream through their children. That is how a lot of children lose interest in sport.”
The lesson from his grand dad, along with the support from his parents and younger brother, Milan, has been valuable in Keown’s career. He is preparing to cross the Atlantic to compete in the World Championships in North Carolina in August.
He will head to Italy for the Venice Open in mid-August.
Keown’s favourites:
• Golfer: Rory McIlroy
• Golf course: Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate (home course)
• Tournament: US Kids Golf European Championship
• All-time golfing moment: First official hole-in-one on May 7, at Serengeti.
Also Read: Women’s Day Golf Clinic hones skills of possible future stars
Also Read: 15 reasons to visit the ‘Golf Coast’ – where tees and seas apply!
