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The impact of the South African Open hosted by the City of Joburg on the next generation of golfers was showcased at the annual golf clinic at the Randpark range.
About 100 young golfers from Eldorado Park, Alexandra, Soweto and Westbury were given one-on-one coaching by a selection of professionals from the Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and European Tour.
The golf clinic is an important element of the City of Joburg’s vision to make a major tournament such as the SA Open inclusive of the city’s residents.
“Golf keeps these children off the streets, and they absolutely love these clinics. They come away from a clinic such as this and they all want to be professionals,” said Obed Matlou, the Manager of Alexandra Golf Development.
One of the young golfers, Nomthandazo Matlou, said to see the professionals up close and learn from them is an absolute highlight for her. “Listening to them about how they play the game helps me with my own game. Ernie Els is my hero and I’ll see him play this week.”
Monica Mahlangu certainly grabbed the opportunity of being taught by the pros. “We learn a lot of things that we don’t know and that we can go back and work on with our own coaches,” she said.
Bongi Mokaba, the promoter of the SA Open hosted by the City of Joburg, summed up exactly the value of this clinic for the children.
“This is an experience of a lifetime for these children to personally engage with professional golfers. There are so many other skills that they learn through golf, because the game makes you disciplined and makes you a better person,” she said.
