For Wikus Solms, golf has never simply been a sport; it has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. Introduced to the game by his parents at the age of seven, what started as family outings soon turned into a fierce and passionate pursuit.

“My mom was absolutely hooked on golf,” he recalled with a laugh. “My dad played more socially, but between me, my brother and my cousins, things became very competitive very quickly.”

It was that competitive edge, combined with the constant desire to perfect every shot, that drew him deeper into the game. Years later, that same determination would help shape him into one of Northern Natal’s respected golfers.

A career built on milestones

Solms’ golfing journey has been filled with milestones that each hold special meaning. From breaking 70 for the first time in his early twenties to shooting a remarkable 66 at Kambaku, a score that set a course record, his progress steadily gained momentum. Victories followed, including the Northern Natal Open title and wins in both the Vryheid Open and Closed Club Championships in 2023.

One of the proudest moments of his career came when he was named captain of the Northern Natal inter-zone team in 2021, while his recent selection as captain of the KZN Country Districts team stands among his greatest honours.

Although he has yet to record a hole-in-one, Solms proudly boasts an albatross, a rare achievement many golfers never experience in a lifetime.

From 13 handicap to scratch golfer

His growth as a golfer accelerated dramatically after joining the TUT Golf Academy at the age of 20. Starting as a 13-handicap player, he transformed into a scratch golfer within just two years.

“That period changed everything for me,” he said.

While professional golfers such as Bryson DeChambeau and Louis Oosthuizen inspired him, Solms credits much of his development to mentor Corné van Deventer, a longtime club captain at the Vryheid Golf Club.

“He guided me into the Northern Natal side and pushed me to believe I could go further,” Solms explained.

Balancing golf with farming

Away from the course, Solms balances his golfing ambitions with the demanding life of farming. Depending on the season, practice time can be limited, especially during planting and harvest periods. Yet whenever he gets the opportunity, he dedicates himself fully to improving his game.

“I analyse where I’m struggling, then work specifically on those parts, whether it’s driving, chipping or putting,” he said.

But golf has not only brought success. In 2020, Solms faced one of the darkest periods of his life following a devastating family loss. The emotional toll nearly caused him to walk away from the sport entirely.

It was during that difficult time that former Northern Natal manager Henk Booysen stepped in.

“He phoned me when I was at my lowest and encouraged me to come back,” Solms said. “That support helped me focus again, not only on golf but also on improving myself mentally and physically.”

Leadership brings a different perspective

Today, Solms approaches pressure with experience and perspective. Before tournaments, he focuses on preparation, mental discipline and routine. Watching golf content and studying swings has become part of his preparation process, while years of competition have taught him to trust his abilities.

“I remind myself that I’ve hit these shots thousands of times before,” he explained.

As a team captain, however, his mindset changes completely.

“When you lead a team, it becomes about the players around you. You have to support them and remind them that giving their best matters more than anything else.”

Looking towards the next generation

Looking ahead, Solms still has goals he hopes to achieve. Representing the KZN mid-amateur side remains high on his list, while senior tournaments after the age of 50 are also firmly in his sights. Yet, increasingly, his focus is shifting towards mentorship and helping younger golfers discover the same love for the game that shaped his own life.

“I want young golfers to enjoy the game first,” he said. “If you love it, then the hard work becomes worthwhile.”

He believes respect, discipline and enjoyment are just as important as talent.

“Golf teaches you more than just how to play. It teaches patience, respect and how to carry yourself.”

Behind every success, Solms says, stands a strong support system. His wife, children, mother, friends and fellow golfers have all played an important role throughout his journey, often making sacrifices to allow him to compete across the province.

“Golf is such a mental game,” he said. “Without support from family and the people around you, it becomes very difficult.”

Family remains at the heart of his journey

Outside of golf, Solms enjoys hunting, fishing, movies and gaming, while farming remains both his livelihood and a passion. Still, some of his favourite moments are the simple ones spent with family, especially when his wife joins him on the golf course.

“That’s something really special to me,” he said.

For Solms, golf has become far more than scores and trophies. It is a lifelong journey built on perseverance, passion and the people who stood beside him every step of the way.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.