Golfer determined to make his late dad proud

Golf has always been more than just a game for Matthew Mortimer. It was a bond he shared with his late father, mentor and biggest supporter.

When he lost his dad in May last year, the emotional toll threatened to derail his personal life and promising career. But through the mental health battles and the weight of grief, the young golfer has found a way to rise.

“Losing my dad made golf difficult. I go on the course and want to call him, but I can’t. It’s something I’m trying to fix. I know I will eventually get it right,” Mortimer said.

He learnt everything he knows about golf from his father, the man who shaped his swing and inspired his journey in the sport.

“I started playing when I was six and wanted to give up when I was 12. But seeing my dad play all the time made me want to be as good as he is. I started beating him, and that got me into tournaments. He was always on the 18th hole watching me finish. Now it makes it a little bit difficult that I can’t see him on the last hole.”

With every swing, Mortimer honours his father’s legacy. His recent win at the Jwaneng Classic in Botswana stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, healing and purpose.

“Ever since I lost my dad, I’ve had this drive within me to win and then look up at him and say, ‘Dad, I’ve done it’. That was the motivation for the week in Botswana – to win the tournament for him.”

Mortimer opened with back-to-back 74s and followed with a final round 75 to post a 54-hole total of 223, securing the title.

Asked what aspects of his game came together that week, Mortimer, who looks up to world number one Scotty Scheffler, said his decision to play conservatively off the tee, a departure from his usual aggressive approach, proved decisive.

“I’ve always been an aggressive player. I tried to be less aggressive off the tee that week. I played conservatively and didn’t chase birdies. I just kept the numbers off the card. Playing conservatively rather than aggressively worked that week.”

The Benonian’s results in the first half of the year, including a tie for sixth at the Cape Province Open, 13th at the Free State Open and strong performances at the South African Stroke Play Championship, show major improvements.

He credits this to sharpening his short game and working on his mental approach.

“My dad always told me that I don’t need to be perfect. The biggest thing was looking at what the professionals did and comparing it to my stats. This helped me identify my weaknesses. Having the benefit of seeing where I was losing shots helped me practise differently,” he explained.

Mortimer’s long-term goals include going to the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School (Q-School), representing the national team and winning tournaments in honour of his father. For now, his focus remains on personal growth and emotional healing.

“At the moment, I’m in a bad head space with regards to losing my dad. I’m suffering a bit from depression. I’m working on my mental health. I want to get in a headspace where I can go to a tournament clear-minded.”

Also Read: Senior golfers host successful champs

Also Read: Golfer applauds development initiative