Young golfing star has big swings and even bigger dreams
HONEYDEW – He joked that he really just wanted to win the Masters so he could wear the famous green jacket.
After receiving the Young Golfer Award at the 2017 Gauteng Premier’s Service Excellence Awards in February, Caleb George (12) knows he is on the right path to reach his dreams.
At such a young age, the Northcliff resident has already represented his country in four tournaments overseas, has his own website (www.calebgeorgegolf.com) and is a golf ambassador for Gauteng province.
Yet his dreams are even bigger.
George plays in Randpark Golf Club‘s junior B team, a team with boys a few years older than him, and trains under Riekus Nortje of the Buhrmann du Toit Golf Academy at Eagle Canyon Golf Estate.
It all started at the age of four, when George’s dad, Dennis, started teaching him the game.
“I like how I feel when I hit a good shot,” George said. “I have this feeling inside that this is my sport, and it encourages me to play.”
Just a year later, George entered the Pepsi Little Kids tournament and won.
Since then, he has been to the United States of America to represent South Africa three times in the US Kids Golf tournament and has competed in the Kids Golf World Championship Malaysia.
Despite his tremendous success, George seems to balance his growing self-confidence with a unique form of humility.
“My role model is myself because I realised even the best players are imperfect, you have to just do your best.”
George’s dreams are not small. He hopes to go professional and one day win
the Sunshine Tour, and even win the Masters – arguably the most prestigious tournament in the world.
He joked that he really just wanted to win the Masters so he could wear the famous green jacket.
“Caleb is the straightest hitter I have ever seen,” coach Nortje said.
“His demeanour is fantastic, he can joke a bit but when he gets to the ball it is all business. When he grows taller he will be able to hit further, and will be even better.”
At every tournament, Dennis and his wife Natalie support their son and are ‘proud and honoured’ to be his parents.
George is in Grade 6 at Delta Park School and manages to balance golf and school, never missing an exam.
Receive breaking news & updates by becoming a member of our WhatsApp community. Send your name & surname to 079 439 5345.
