Autistic golfer hits second hole-in-one in Krugersdorp
A local player who has graced more than 100 courses worldwide continues to prove that his diagnosis is no barrier to mastering the green.
Rant-en-Dal resident Tom Lugg (36) recently scored his second hole-in-one, proving that golf is far more than just a sport to him.
Tom, who is on the autism spectrum, has been playing golf since the age of 11. The principal of Curamus School for Autism, Michelle van Zyl, defined Tom’s position on the spectrum as high-functioning with low support needs, allowing him to give intense focus to special interests.
For Tom, that interest is golf. He has played on more than 100 courses and competed in international tournaments in Shanghai, Athens and Taiwan. On September 24, Lugg scored his second hole-in-one on the fourth hole at Krugersdorp Golf Club.
He currently has a three handicap and plays almost every day, often from dawn. His strengths are chipping and putting, which he practices for hours. His father, Mike Lugg, said golf has transformed his son, making him more outgoing and confident.
Golf partner Eugene Louw said Tom’s autism can benefit him on the course by helping him keep his emotions out of the game.
“I enjoy playing with other people, and one of my dreams is to play with Tiger Woods, and beat him,” Tom joked.
