Golf development in action

The South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) has been active at the CRM Golf Course since 2009, and has a hand in the training of dozens of up-and-coming young players over the years.

According to Paul van Zyl, who heads the SAGDB’s efforts in Roodepoort, they offer training and golf development for children between the ages of nine and 18, whose parents cannot afford private tuition.

“The aim is to make the sport of golf accessible for everyone by facilitating practice and playing opportunities for young players from underprivileged communities.”

Van Zyl is himself a former professional golfer who, in his youth, played in some of the most prestigious tournaments in South Africa, including the famed Sunshine Tour.

In later years, he participated in the SA Senior Masters.

“I played professionally from 1976 to 1990, after which I took over the Pro Shop at CMR Golf Course. In 2005, I finished in fourth place in the SA Senior Master’s Tournament.”

Van Zyl has called on parents whose children would like to try their hand at golf to bring them around for training.

“It is free of charge,” he says, “at the very least it will get them outdoors in the fresh air doing something other than watching TV or playing on their phones.

They train from Monday to Friday from 15:30 to 17:00, at the Albatross Driving Range in Maraisburg.

“We practice the long shots at the driving range and the short game across the street at CRM. One Sunday afternoon per month, I take the top six students out on the course for a friendly ‘sixes’ competition.

“Once they reach the right level of training, we enter them into the various junior league competitions, where they get to play against players from other areas, and eventually, all over the country.”

For more information about the SAGDB or this training opportunity, contact Van Zyl on 082 442 9593.