Big Fish to captain KZN again
Speaking of younger players, his son Graham (17) is striking his 3-wood past his Dad's drive… but not hitting as many fairways, yet.
Gavin Sole of Southbroom Golf Club will captain the KwaZulu-Natal golf team when it aims to win the B division of the South African IPT at San Lameer Country Club in September.
The Big Fish, who recently turned 51, has become something of an institution in KZN golf circles, and even beyond.
There can’t be too many golfers his age still captaining and competing at the highest amateur level in the country.
“I enjoy being competitive, enjoy playing against these younger guys. It seems to bring out the best in me,” he said.
Speaking of younger players, his son Graham (17) is striking his 3-wood past his Dad’s drive… but not hitting as many fairways, yet.
It’s not that Gavin is short off the tee, not at all. “I’m hitting it about 280m, perhaps 260m on a tight hole and 300m if there’s some wind or I want to hit it past my son!”
For the record, Gavin has played in at least 20 IPTs for KwaZulu-Natal, dating back to his debut in the early 90s.
That’s excluding representing the Country Districts and Mid Amateur teams.
Along the way he took a break to study, and played five IPTs for Limpopo when he was working at resorts in the game reserves.
Upon his return to KZN, he has played for the province since 2007.
A major highlight was winning the IPT at Durban Country Club in 2009.
In 2012 he took over the captaincy when his friend and foursomes partner Ryan de Beer quit tournament golf.
The team will comprise fellow Southern KZN golfer Jason Gilliver (Umdoni Park), as well as Jono Broomhead (Durban CC), Daniel Bennett (Beachwood), Chris Erasmus (Prince’s Grant), Tom Lovett (Prince’s Grant), Nathan Trodd (Maritzburg GC) and Thabiso Magwaza (Umhlali CC).
It’s an interesting team with some seasoned campaigners and some exciting young talent.
“Our goal is to make it back into the A section, simple as that,” he said.
Ivan Curlewis, the president of the KZN Golf Union, is once again the team manager.
Then there are the rumours that this will be his swansong.
“Might make the move to seniors after this. Probably my last one.”
Where have we heard this before?
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