Trainee greenkeeper wins Umhlali Country Clubmen’s golf championship for the third time!
Magwaza started playing golf as a 6-year-old when he joined the UCC junior golf academy in 2003.
Three times Umhlali Country Club (UCC) men’s champs winner Thabiso Magwaza credited his win to the strong support he receives from his fellow residents at Shaka’s Head.
The 24-year-old trainee greenkeeper won the tournament in 2016 and 2020, and after his win against 102 competitors last weekend, he said he was encouraged by the shouts of encouragement he receives from township residents whenever they see him carrying his golf gear.
“Man, it amazes me all the time.
“They always encourage me to go and do my best. So this win is for them and to encourage other young people to not be afraid of pursuing something they like,” said Magwaza.
He also thanked all those who had helped him learn how to play golf and supported him.
He said he was determined to make them proud.
Magwaza first picked up a golf club as a 6-year-old when he joined the UCC junior golf academy in 2003, and has not looked back.
At its height the academy has trained up to 40 aspiring golfers at a time, many of whom can be seen working or playing at local golf courses.
Magwaza has been a member of the Ernie Els Foundation since 2017 and is currently studying green keeping.
The B Division was won by Andre Terblanche, C Division by Jose Mandim and the Seniors Division by Arno De Wet.
Umhlali Country Club marketing administrator, Melisa Erasmus, said about 20 more golfers played in the tournament this year.
“After having such a difficult 2020 season, it was evident that there was a hunger for competitive golf with UCC having its largest field of competitors in the history of the Men’s Club Champs,” said Erasmus.
She thanked sponsors Seeff North Coast and CMH Izuzu Umhlanga for ensuring the tournament was a success.
