Melville brothers play for keeps

POLOKWANE – Whenever local golf legends are mentioned, Retief Goosen’s name comes up, but soon you might be hearing about the Melville brothers, Dylan and Ryan.

These promising golfers are both Curro Heuwelkruin learners.

“I am 10 years old and I started playing golf five years ago. I played tennis at school when I was seven years old, but I have decided to focus on golf,” says Dylan.

The brothers are part of SA Kids Golf, and recently took part in a golf day at Zwartkop Country Club. The nine-hole golf day was a qualifier for the u/11 SA Kids team, which Dylan qualified for. During this golf day, Dylan scored 37 points and finished in second place. He also took part in the 18-hole division and scored a total of 77 points.

Six-year-old Ryan took part in the u/6 nine-hole event and won this division.

Dylan says he does not like school and finds it boring sometimes. “I do like maths and I am good at it. It also helps my golf game.”

Both brothers say they love golf and would play every day if possible.

“Dylan cannot play on Mondays as he writes tests on Tuesdays, but Ryan will often phone me on a Monday to take him to practise,” says their father, Gavin.

“They do get two official lessons per week and practise at least four times a week,” says their proud father.

Dylan feels that golf helps people to think before they act. “I like to play golf and I love to watch it on TV,” he says.

Ryan thinks it is fun to hit the ball. “I also like cutting the grass and washing cars. And I sometimes play with our dog, Sky.”

They love to go skiing during school holidays, but agree that golf will always come first.

“It is hard work and you have to be fit, but you have to focus on the game,” says Dylan.