Ugandan pro golfer inspires youth in Benoni
Rugumayo was part of the Vuma Coaching Clinic at the Benoni Country Club.
Ugandan golf star Ronald Rugumayo inspired a new generation of players at the Vumatel Golf Clinics at Benoni Country Club (BCC) on August 27, urging them to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams with determination.
Sharing his remarkable journey from humble beginnings – he discovered golf aged six using a cassava stick as his club and an avocado seed as a ball – Rugumayo reminded the young golfers that greatness often starts with simple steps.
He encouraged them to practice consistently, stay disciplined and embrace every opportunity to learn, assuring them that their future in the sport depends on the effort they put in today.
“When I started, I had one thing in mind: a dream. You are here because you chose to be here. Have a dream, and one day, you will make it. It all starts with you,” said Rugumayo.
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The Ugandan, along with professionals like Joshua Koekemoer and Rob van Velzen, shared valuable golf basics, such as swinging and putting, with the youngsters during the clinic.
The initiative was started by former golfer Nico van Rensburg in 2021 to give back to the sport he loves. Around 53 youngsters attended the clinic at Van Velzen’s Golf Performance and Development Academy at the BCC.
“The game of golf has been nice to me. I can work with children every day of my life. If we can give back and ensure they improve quicker, it’s humbling.
“We need to look after the future. SA sport has always been the bulldog of world sport,” said Van Rensburg.
Looking back on the initiative’s wins, the six-time Sunshine Tour champ singled out Daniel Bennett and Christiaan Maas as two of its brightest stars.
“We’ve had massive successes. In the past few weeks, we’ve had several graduates, including Blake Venter, win the SA Kids. We’ve had Daniel Fourie from Ekurhuleni, who has really been incredible.”
Graduate Joshua Koekemoer said the Vuma golf clinics have been great.
“It means a lot. It’s pretty cool. I was once in their shoes and excited to learn from the pros. We have 53 children today. For them to come here and learn is big. Watching them hit the ball and knowing I gave back what I learnt is special,” said Koekemoer.
Farrarmere youngster, Benjamin Burke, was excited to learn from the professionals.
“I love playing golf. Today is all about improving. I’m excited. I fell in love with the sport the first time I picked up a club. I’ve been playing since I was eight.”
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