Golf used to tackle drugs in society
Founded and directed by Dennis Ndau, the academy was established with an aim to equip young people in the area with a skill in what is portrayed as a sport for wealthy people, especially those outside townships.
The Thipe Youth Golf Academy (TYGA) aims to stand against the use drug abuse through giving out golf classes.
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Founded and directed by Dennis Ndau, the academy was established with an aim to equip young people in the area with a skill in what is portrayed as a sport for wealthy people, especially those outside townships.
Fighting against all odds to turn his vision into reality, Ndau approached the Zodwa Khoza Foundation in Phase 1 and requested for a space where the players can have their Saturday classes and went on to pitch his idea to a few local schools and ECD centres so that he can enrol more learners for classes.
All this came into reality when parents and other stakeholders saw his passion, hard work and love for the sport as young people in the area started to pitch up for classes.
“Golf ids portrayed as one of the most intimidating sports, especially for young black people in the townships.
“The sport is very close to my heart because it creates discipline open-minded individuals and I believe that our players are most likely to be successful through the character build up that the sport creates,” Ndau said.
Thus far the academy caters for four divisions aged three to four, five to nine, ten to 14 and the 16 to 18 which is the senior group.
All the groups consist of learners from local schools who are currently enrolled for free lessons with each group focusing on their respective golf practice routine and senior players practising at the Soweto Country Club to get a feel of the court.
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“With the help of our coach, we are now seeing progress even in our new players. Patience is required since the sport is new to most of them but with everyday practice and dedication, we will get there. Although our lessons are currently free, in the future we will charge.
Their vision for this year is to launch their first annual Soweto School Golf League with an intention to take it to other surrounding townships in Gauteng.
“Golf is not about having fun only, it teaches the payers life skills and it creates successful minds. Together with the Zodwa Khoza Foundation we will also have the Golf in Schools Initiatives where all our players will have practice during the week and we will also include academic subjects so that they are not left behind while focusing on the sport.”
Ndau expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents as well as various sponsors including the Zodwa Khoza Foundation and the Soweto Country Club for allowing the seniors to practice in the course, and Play Forward SA for sponsoring them with equipment.
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”We are also calling on more residents and businesses to come on board and assist us with transportation and food as we take our players to various training locations. We already have parents that help with sandwiches for the players and we are grateful.”
As part of the plans for this year, some of the players will be participating in a league that will take place on June 16.
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