LIMPOPO – Avid golfer Harry Mathaba is on a mission to inspire and develop the next generation of golfing stars from the townships, with hopes of finding the next Tiger Woods.

Mathaba, who hails from Namakgale, says he is deeply passionate about the sport, but even more so about introducing it to young people in underserved communities. While he has already won the hearts of many enthusiastic youngsters, their parents remain sceptical.

“Most parents think golf is a sport for the wealthy, and see it as a waste of time,” he says. “But I believe they’ll eventually see the bigger picture, especially when their children start winning tournaments.”

Mathaba’s love for golf began 36 years ago, shortly after finishing high school.

“I was taking a gap year and got bored. So I took my younger brother’s golf clubs, which he had received while working as a caddy at the former Hans Merensky Golf Course, and started hitting balls in the veld,” he recalls.

“My interest grew even more the following year at Naphuno College, where I met friends who also loved the game. We would practice whenever we had free time.”

Today, Mathaba is a teacher at Lebeko High School in Mashishimale. He’s working to introduce golf at the school and says the management team is fully behind the idea. He’s also actively involved with the Mopani Golf Development Club, an initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing young talent from across the Mopani region.

The club currently supports young golfers from Phalaborwa, Tzaneen, and Giyani — although Giyani poses a challenge due to the lack of a local golf course.

Despite the obstacles, the program is gaining traction. During the recent Phalaborwa Golf Open, eight development players were given the chance to compete thanks to sponsorship from the Phalaborwa Golf Club. Among them was Karabo Luphondo, one of Mathaba’s trainees, who won the junior division with an impressive gross score of 72.

“My love for golf runs deep, which is why I volunteer my own time and resources to transport players to practice,” Mathaba says. “But we need support from local businesses, especially with transportation costs, so these young players can attend more competitions and gain experience.”

Anyone interested in joining or supporting the Mopani Golf Development Club can contact 061 584 5191 for more information.