Thembisa Golf Club ensures love for golf

Many residents of Thembisa do not only follow golf but play it, and the Thembisa community has been a part of the golfing scene since the 1960s.

It is no surprise then that Thembisa is home to one of the biggest township golf development clubs, the Tembisa Golf Club (TGC).

According to the club’s Benjamin Monyanyedi, the TGC also boasts a rich golfing history.

“Yes, like all other sporting codes, golf has suffered setbacks because of our country’s past.

“The Ebuhleni Golf Course, definitely not worthy of being referred to or accepted as a true golf course by any golfing standard, glaringly confirms the setbacks inflicted from the past on township golfers.

ALSO READ: Annual golf day to be held in Modderfontein

“However, the resilience of the golf-loving people of Thembisa is second to none.

“One can always find competitions at the Ebuhleni facility, which has become an epicentre of young talent attraction.”

One of the untold stories of golf in Thembisa is the continued production of very able golfers throughout the years.

“Thembisa golfers have had to endure much over the years. Young golfers were denied access to proper golf courses, lacked sponsorship and used poor-quality golfing equipment,” said Monyanyedi.

He applauded the TGC for its continued development of young and talented golfers.

“The club runs a non-funded golfing programme for adults and children to ensure the love of the game continues.”

ALSO READ: Funds raised for Laerskool Impala during golf day

The club hosts three events annually, which ensures its growth.

“The club championship is a 36-hole event played over two days and generally attracts more than 80 golfers.

“It is the club’s flagship tournament, and participation is restricted only to fully fledged members in good standing,” said Monyanyedi.

He added that the second event, the American Scramble Major, was a partnership event hosted annually at different venues, including the Kempton Park Country Club.

“The cub recently introduced the Chairman’s Cup. Hopefully, this new addition will become a permanent fixture on the annual tournament list.”

ALSO READ: Local aspiring pro golfers enjoy training camp

At Ebuhleni Golf Course in Thembisa, weekly practices are from Wednesdays to Sundays.

“The TGC has a great history. It has produced champions and amazing competitions spanning decades of existence.

“The late Paulos Bhembe of Umthambeka section was among the club’s history-makers. Seabata, as he was affectionately known, won almost everything the club had on offer during his era.”

These victories included winning the club championship three times.

“He definitely dominated the late 70s through to the 90s.”

Post-1990 saw the emergence of the late Joe Makati of Umnonjaneni section, the late Shadrack Nthate from Umfuyaneni section, the late Ford Radebe from Umthambeka section, Jeff Mnisi, a journeyman from Klipfonteinview and Jerry Mosia from Vosloorus.

“Nthate was crowned club champion in 2003 and again in 2006. Mnisi did the great honour of winning this daunting and challenging event four times in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2013,” said Monyanyedi.

“True to the fact that TGC is great and produces greatness, the current 2023 club champion, Nzima Tsotetsi, hails from Thiteng section and now lives in Birchleigh.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni Senior golfers enjoy rounds at local club

“He was a caddie at the Modderfontein Golf Club and has worked hard to break all the club’s records, including winning the title championship five times.”

In his early years, Nzima played golf at what was known as Malvolio, an open area opposite Zabs Auto between Umfuyaneni and Thiteng sections.

“This year, he has won almost everything, including the inaugural 2023 Chairman’s Cup,” said Monyanyedi.

He added that Tsotetsi was the only player who remained unbeaten in the many inter-club tournaments Thembisa members had participated in.

For more information, call Benjamin Monyanyedi on 071 135 3874.