School first, then golf for aspiring juniors
The Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort contributed T-shirts, trousers and caps to ensure a uniform look for the junior golfers.
When golf professional Arnold Mentz gets out his clubs to instruct South Coast youngsters on their swing, he believes that beyond stance, grip and swing, the game imparts essential life skills.
The 73-year-old former tour commissioner of the Sunshine Tour of South Africa is the teaching professional at the Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort in Port Edward, and since October 2017, has run the hotel’s Golf Coaching Academy.
“Golf teaches certain values, like honesty, integrity, sharing, respect, perseverance and courtesy. These core values help them to become better citizens in the long run.”
Each week, Mentz instructs between 15 and 20 players ranging in age from eight to 18, who attend Ithuba and Vulendlala schools in the local Eastern Cape schools.
On a Friday afternoon they play and learn on-course rules and regulations, Saturday mornings find them on the resort’s challenging 18-hole championship golf course that stretches along the stunning Wild Coast, practicing putting, chipping and bunker play.
The closure of schools meant that the children could play more frequently, while observing Covid-19 protocols such as wearing masks, and the lessons are paying off – four of the children who started playing less than a year ago are now handicapped between a 12 and 16, down from 36.
“There are girls and boys, and three of the female players in particular are doing very well.”
The children depend on donations and hand-me-downs for clothing and equipment, although Mentz says often what is donated is beyond usable.
“The Mbizana Municipality has donated two sets of clubs, and Fred Beaver, our golfing professional, also donates regularly.”
The Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort contributed T-shirts, trousers and caps to ensure a uniform look for the junior golfers.
Any school going child can come for lessons, but they have to be in school in order to participate in the Academy.
“The kids I instruct are at school every day and I am proud to say that their academic achievements have improved, some up to 40 percent.”
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