Young golfer inspired to turn pro after first career ace

While Sabonga Skhosana would like to win at the Augusta National and earn the green jacket, the 17-year-old Benoni Lake Club member wants to become the fourth South African to lift the Claret Jug, after Bobby Locke (four times), Gary Player (thrice), Ernie Els (twice) and Louis Oosthuizen.

The green jacket awarded to the Masters’ winner may have more mass appeal and is believed to give you status that money cannot buy, but the thrill of watching his idols tackle challenging golfing conditions on the links courses in Scotland in the Open Championship is more appealing to this Goedeburg resident.

“I want to wear the Masters jacket and win trophies, but the one on top of the list is the claret jug,” he said.

Elated after hitting a hole-in-one on June 17, his first major achievement since he started playing golf in 2018, Skhosana cannot wait to turn pro and inspire thousands of young and aspirant golfers.

“I want to be the guy that opens the floodgates for young South Africans like me who love the sport. To be honest, you do not get many black golfers in the professional ranks. If I could win a major, I could give confidence to the children interested in the sport.”

He became interested in golf after picking a club and attempting a swing at a friend’s house. Ever since, the sport has become his obsession.

“I am addicted. I think about hitting great shots and lifting trophies,” he said.

He played one of the great shots he obsesses about on June 17 from the back tees of the Benoni Lake Club course, which is 204m long, using his six iron to make his first ace on the ninth hole.

“It felt surreal and meant a lot to me. I know some people go through their whole career without hitting a hole-in-one. If I can achieve that, it means I can do anything. I now want to play professionally.”

The St Francis College Grade 10 learner said Tiger Woods inspires him – for the way the 15-time Majors winner revolutionised playing golf.

He cites Woods’ mental strength, athleticism, strategic approach and physical fitness as the lessons he is learning from the American. Woods became the first black golfer to win the Masters when he won the first of his five titles in 1997.

“It is his essence. Even after all the difficulties in his career and personal life, he stays on top. Every time I watch his videos, I am motivated because if a person who looks like me could achieve what he accomplished, what can stop me?”

Skhosana thanked the coaches who helped him to understand the game, but was most thankful to Benoni Lake Club for allowing him to take part in a sport he loves.

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