Golfer sets sights on playing in the USA
"It is a big opportunity to play in the USA, because it raises your profile and attracts the attention of all the top colleges"
Cole Stevens experienced heartbreak when he had to settle for second place during the recent Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series at the Wanderers Golf Club.
The 16-year-old Maraisburg resident shot a sizzling 67 to lead with fellow golfer Kian Rose, but during the ensuing playoff, Kian shot an eagle at the first playoff hole, clinching the win.
But, even losing in a playoff match could not dampen Cole’s enthusiasm for the new 18-event junior development initiative sanctioned by Golf RSA. The young golfer will be signing up for events in Rustenburg, Middelburg and Royal Johannesburg when the Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series commences next year, and should he manage to win only one of these tournaments, he will secure a spot in the national finals where the top two U/19 golfers will be flown to the USA to compete in both the 2018 Junior North and South Championships.
For Cole it is a dream to play professional golf, and playing US College golf forms part of his plan to realise it. “It is a big opportunity to play in the USA, because it raises your profile and attracts the attention of all the top colleges,” he said. He is already playing off a +1 handicap and his lowest score, to date, was an eight under par at the Pebble Rock Golf Course outside Pretoria.
He will be giving his all to secure a trip to the USA during the 2018 Junior Series, and encourages young golfers of all levels to enter.
“It is a great opportunity to experience tournament golf, to be inspired and motivated by playing with the country’s best juniors,” he said.
Cole, who attends Curro Aurora, has combined with Carl Mwale, Woo-Ju Son and Kieron van Wyk in an attempt to capture the SA High Schools title. He also flew the flag for South Africa during the Ciputra Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship in Indonesia.
He said that, although he was not at his best during the championship, it was a whole new experience for him. “I loved the food, the culture – everything! And I am grateful for the support and opportunities provided by the South African Golf Development Board,” he said, with a smile.
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