For many experienced golfers, breaking 80 can be considered the “final frontier”.

Fourteen-year-old golfing sensation Thabo Dube is, however, slowly creeping towards a goal that is as remarkable as his life story itself – becoming a pro.

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It is a story of humble beginnings. Over a very short amount of time Thabo achieved a handicap that most players can only dream of. Now some refer to him as the gem of the Lowveld, playing off a 7 handicap and currently ranked 15th in the province.
Lowvelder caught up with Thabo, as well as his coach, Samuel Lukhele, to find out more.

The young golfer grew up and still stays at Riverside Farm near Malalane where his parents live and work. His life changed forever in 2013 when Gaynor Rupert started a flagship programme in association with the South African Golf Development Board. Edwin Compton, who is based in Malalane, now manages the programme, which started with 12 young players and now has nearly 40.

It all started with a clubhouse that was built on the farm, for beginners like Thabo to grow their potential.
A feeding programme ensures that all young golfers receive a nutritious daily meal.

As with most great golfing stories, it all started on the course with a caddie, Lukhele. He, who is a fine golfer himself, used his experience gained on the course to become a level two coach with a level one PGA qualification. Thabo was introduced to golf at an exceptionally young age by Lukhele, who has been training him since 2013 – when he was eight.

Lukhele also grew up on Riverside and started his passion for golf as a caddie at Malalane Golf Club.
Together they practise for at least an hour every day and on Saturdays they put their practise to good use, by competing in competitions in Malalane and Komatipoort. Once a month, Thabo competes in the Mpumalanga Junior Golf Tournament.

He told the newspaper that his golfing hero is Rory McIlroy, his favourite food is rice and beans, and besides golf, he is an avid soccer player too.

Lowvelder looks forward to following this young man’s career.