Enthusiastic young golfers from around Ekurhuleni enjoyed a rare opportunity to meet some of the top swingers competing at the 105th BMW SA Open Championship tournament, hosted by the metro.
“Over 50 aspiring golfers from Tembisa, Daveyton and Vosloorus could not contain their joy after receiving expert instruction from five Sunshine Tour and five European Tour players during a golf development clinic at the Glendower Golf Club on January 5.
“The young golfers were between the ages of five and 17 years.
“They were split into groups of six for intense one-on-one coaching sessions with professionals such as Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Brandon Stone, Tyrone Ferreira, Zander Lombard, Tyrone Mordt, as well as former Ryder Cup and World Cup player, Edoardo Molinari from Italy.”
One of the inspirational golfers, Bezuidenhout, who recently became a qualifying school champion, spoke of the importance of giving back to the children.
“When I was still a member of the Ekurhuleni Golf Union, there were a lot of people along the way that helped me get to this level,” he said.
“All the other guys coaching at the clinic feel the same and that is why we enjoyed the eagerness and passion of these children.
“Their excitement reminded all of us that we all started out exactly where they are right now.”
Sthembiso Nzimande, a 10-year-old beginner from Duduza Golfers Club, was ecstatic to have Bezuidenhout help her hone her swinging skills.
“I used to watch some guys from our neighbourhood play golf and I was curious,” she said.
“Most of my friends in my area play soccer and other common sports, but I just love golf.
“We practice very hard every day to be the best.
“However, I really enjoyed the chance to learn from the professionals.”
Local club mentors and coaches were also part of the children’s once in a life-time experience.
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