POLOKWANE – Local golfer, Pieter Strydom, is through to the South African national finals after securing second position during the Johannesburg regional elimination round that was played at Glendower Golf Club recently.
The first round of the national finals was played on Wednesday while the last round was set to be played in Durban on Thursday (today).
Strydom has his sights fixed on South African colours which will grant him the opportunity to be part of the national team that will represent the country in Turkey during the 21st World Amateur Golfers Championship. This is the fifth time he participates in the regional elimination round.
“The competition aims to make amateur golfers feel like golf pros on the course. I will do my best in the national finals to form part of the team that will compete against 42 countries in Turkey,” explained Strydom.
He started taking part in golf in 2010 and said he should have started at an earlier age.
Strydom said he developed a love and passion for the sport and he enjoys every moment of it.
“I used to play cricket and rugby, but my age forced me to opt for a non-contact sport. It takes hard work and perseverance to become a golf professional and I do not think there is much for me to achieve in golf at my age,” said Strydom. He added that he now plays golf for fun and for the love of the sport.
He further said one should be patient and have good ball skills to excel in golf. He also greatly admires Jordan Smith (23).
When asked why he admires such a young golfer, Strydom said Smith is one of the world’s most promising golfers and he believes he will make it big if he continues to work hard.
Strydom urged young people to take up sport at an early age to reap better rewards in the future.
