Taking golf to the community
Golf programme that offers lessons to children without any cost
A coaching programme, headed up by the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) is inviting children who have a passion for golf to sign up.
The national programme aims to bring golf to the community by providing free coaching and practice equipment. This is to broaden the sport and transform its composition to be more representative of society.
Children from the ages of nine to 18 can sign up at the Albatross Golf Club where Paul van Zyl will be the instructor.
Van Zyl, who started coaching in 1995, is still excited about the programme which he first worked with two years ago.
“I’ve been a professional golf player since 1976 and I’m currently playing in the South African Senior Tour. I want to share my knowledge and experience with young players who want to start learning the game,” he said.
Photo:Sonwabile Antonie
Once the children show promise and dedication, they are given a set of clubs supplied by the SAGDB. This is to nurture elite players by sponsoring equipment, club fees and competition participation.
“The equipment including balls and clubs is donated and sponsored to the SAGDB and they in turn give it out to all the coaching programmes. When the pupils outgrow the equipment, they give it back to the programme and we give them another set. So parents don’t pay a cent to sign up their children or anything, they just have to love the sport,” said Van Zyl.
At the moment, the programme has already signed up six players who are at various levels of skill but more are needed.
“We want to get children from Roodepoort and surrounding areas involved in this sport because it teaches discipline and focus which can be an asset later in life. And having children play the sport keeps them off the streets,” said Van Zyl.
Van Zyl also stressed the need for more girls to participate in the programme but did not want to make an issue of it
“Girls are invited, absolutely, there is a lack of female players in the sport so if we can get more interested in the sport then it’s good for us,” he said.
The programme also host school holiday tournaments at the club to keep the pupils involved.
One Sunday of each month, the programme sends its pupils to the Soweto Country Club in Pimville where they can gain experience in actual competition. Novices play nine holes while the advanced pupils play 18 holes.
Practice sessions are from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 3.30pm to 4.30pm, however, transportation is not available and parents must make arrangements. To sign up, contact Paul van Zyl on 082 422 9593 or 011 674 4577.
