Professional golfer Kenneth Dube has maintained his passion for his sport and the love he has for developing youngsters in the game.
The man running the Kenneth Dube Golf Academy is now in control of the Royal Oak Country Club and is looking forward to helping players improve their game.
“Every Saturday, we are getting people at the golf course, especially the youngsters, which I believe bringing them here is best. As you know, there are a lot of drugs the children can be exposed to,” said Dube.
The coach likes to see his players progress within the sport.
“Who knows? One day they can be great players, professional club managers, green keepers or golf directors. They can do all of those things,” said the mentor.
Dube helps youngsters such as 19-year-old Bulelani Fokazi who dreams of playing golf professionally in the future. The youngster has been focusing on his golf after being devastated by the recent death of his father.
“My life did take an unexpected turn and at first my training went down a little but I’m trying to push hard again on the course,” said Fokazi.
“I try to stay focused no matter how much life can throw me off. I think if I wasn’t here (at Royal Oak) I would probably be in a worse situation in life, not being able to focus on much.”
Dube is looking to make sure the youngsters at his academy succeed. The likes of Tyron Nell (16), Ivan Krause (15) and Zach Greyling (15) have shown plenty of potential.
Nell, like Fokazi, has his Ekurhuleni colours. He respects the talent level at the academy.
“It’s difficult. There’s lots of talent from the other players so you really need to be on your game to do something special here,” said Nell.
“I want to come to the course every day but school makes it tough so I come as much as I can.”
Krause enjoys working with Dube.
“The pro Kenneth Dube is taking good care of the course,” he said.
“I’ve learnt a lot and I’m gaining a lot of experience here.”
Greyling will be looking to join others by getting Ekurhuleni colours next year.
“The golf has been going good. I have been practising a lot lately and I think I’ve got the swing good now,” he said.
Dube wants youngsters from all walks of life to take part in golf.
“I’m focusing on bringing in children from the location. Those who cannot afford to play golf, I’m going to try to help them where I can,” said the Royal Oak club manager.
“One of those children could be the Tiger Woods of tomorrow. I thank God for sponsors like Impala Plat who have been there and helping me realise my dream of coaching the youngsters.”
Dube clearly enjoys being a coach.
“As a coach, I get proud when I see my fruits grow. There are a number of them that have made me so proud by becoming club professionals, others are touring professionals, others are golf managers, others are directors and they are coming from my golf academy,” he said.
“It’s like a teacher at school. The teachers produce lawyers, judges and doctors. It’s the same situation that I’m in.”
