Limpopo Golf Development Programme starts in Polokwane
One year after the introduction of an official Golf Development Programme in Limpopo two schools have been enrolled
POLOKWANE – One year after the introduction of an official Golf Development Programme in Limpopo two schools have been enrolled – Northern Academy and Eagles Nest Christian School.
August 2014 was seen as the start of a great future for golf development in the Limpopo after it was announced that following meetings between the South African Golf Development Board and the Limpopo Golf Union the programme was to be run by Polokwane PGA Teaching Professional, Jean Sadie.
Planning and start-up
Jean has been doing tactical planning until the end of 2014 and in the process communicated with numerous unions on how to start the programme in Limpopo.
“The SAGDB has a very strict framework and although every province differs in the way they do things, we all have to follow the same framework,” says Sadie.
“We have finally started up the programme in January 2015 at two schools identified in Polokwane: Northern Academy and Eagles Nest Christian School.
“The main challenges for the SAGDB programme in Limpopo are distance travelling for our coaches and to travel together to teach students as we need funding for this.
“This is also the reason why we decided to start in Polokwane as our home base. The two schools which have entered the programme so far are doing very well,” explains Sadie.
The SAGDB programme was evaluated in May 2015 to see if all are still on track and if the staff are adequately equipped for coaching.
“We are very excited as the first kids made their way to the golf course last quarter and they had tremendous fun. Eagles Nest Christian School and Northern Academy are both doing exceptional work with their kids in making the efforts to get them to the lessons on time every week and communicating with us regarding how they are performing and growing into their own game and personalities.
“We want kids to grow physically, mentally, emotionally and learn a new sporting code in the process.
“The feedback shows the kids are enjoying the weekly golf lessons and love coming back to learn more,” says Sadie.
He thanks The Golf Park Driving Range and Polokwane Golf Club for the use of facilities for the kids. “We are always very well-looked after and supported.
Countrywide the Sport Trust and NOMADS are big supporters of the SAGDB Programmes, Sadie added.
