UJ golfer goes professional
Kayle Wykes was first introduced to the sport at the tender age of five
Meet Kayle Wykes, a third-year University of Johannesburg (UJ) student and golfer who recently turned professional and is quickly making a name for himself on the greens, proving that passion, persistence, and a healthy dose of patience are the true keys to success in the sport.
The journey into the sport, for this BA in Politics, Economics and Technology student, began at the tender age of five after seeing his father hit golf balls at the range, and he got his first grip on a club. “It just felt really good to make contact, so I continued to go and play with him.” This early exposure, thanks to a family full of golf enthusiasts, laid the foundation for a promising career. He began competing in his first tournament at the age of seven.
Golf, as he readily admits, is a sport that demands patience. “It’s a very difficult sport, and even when you practice, the results aren’t always immediate,” he said. This understanding is crucial for a player who, despite having only played in three out of six scheduled events, is currently ranked 30th on the Big Easy Tour and is unranked on the Sunshine Tour.
Wykes’ commitment to improvement extends beyond the course. Recently, he’s taken to the gym, finding enjoyment in the physical conditioning that complements his golf game. When not honing his swing or hitting the weights, he unwinds with a lively game of 5-a-side indoor football at Marks Park, a fun activity shared with family outside of his university studies and golf commitments.
He finds inspiration close to home, citing friends Nikhil Rama and Dylan Naidoo as fellow players of colour who are ‘doing extremely well in golf’. On the professional circuit, his idol is none other than the world’s number one, Scottie Scheffler. “Scottie is number one in the world for a reason, and I love his humble demeanour,” he stated, highlighting a desire for not just on-course success but also personal character.
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His career has already seen him compete in some of South Africa’s most prestigious events, including the SA Open at Durban Country Club and the Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club. Asked what sets top players apart, he emphasised consistency and the ability to pull off more difficult shots.
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