The Prince's Grant Dozen - A powerful investment in golf development

Prince's Grant head pro Frans Strauss and the 12 SAGDB learners he coaches.

Six years ago Prince's Grant Country Club expressed an interest in offering support to golf development in Kwazulu-Natal. They approached Joseph Kunene, the South African Golf Development Board's development manager for KZN, for ideas.

Kunene suggested that the club reach out to children from Kwa Daguza Township. He and the club's head pro, Francois Strauss, then identified 12 learners from Nieu Geulderland during an evaluation session to join the startup programme.

Since that first encounter, the "Kwa Daguza Dozen" have experienced opportunities that were previously completely out of their reach.

"Prince's Grant was extremely positive towards the development programme," said Kunene. "The club management and homeowners have embraced the programme. They have been supportive and welcoming in allowing the juniors access to the facilities."

"We are so dependent on golf clubs embracing the SAGDB. Prince's Grant has shown the way for many clubs to follow and their ongoing commitment to the development of these youngsters is commendable."

Kunene added that since they started, none of the learners have quit the programme and this bears testament to the fine work Strauss has done.

The learners, nine boys and three girls, have been under his watchful eye for six years now. He collects them on Friday afternoons when school finishes and, after a lunch at the club, spends time with them on the range.

"All the children in the programme are through level one training and I am pleased that this year, they are finally getting on to the golf course on a full time basis," said Strauss.

"Not only will we be applying all the basics that they have learned, but we will also concentrate on golf course etiquette and rules."

Strauss had hoped to be further along with the programme, but a lack of equipment has seriously hampered his coaching.

"Unfortunately we don't have children's sets and it is not an ideal scenario to coach children between the ages of six and 10 with adult clubs," he said. "Our members have been brilliant in donating their unused children's clubs, but we are frightfully short."

Once the children get proficient on the golf course and gain handicaps, Kunene hopes the club will grant them membership to encourage their further development.

"This programme has really worked due to commitment Francois has shown to the children," said Kunene. "We really appreciate his support. We need more individuals like him who will pass on knowledge and experience to young up-and-coming juniors."

Prince's Grant has certainly proved how beneficial partnerships between clubs and the SAGDB can be for young golfers.

"The contribution it has made is crucial in sustaining the board's aims of growing the game and making it more accessible to all South Africans," said SAGDB managing executive, Ken Viljoen. "Support from clubs and the general golfing public is vital to us and the kind of support we are getting from Prince's Grant is extremely encouraging. It also proves what a difference a close working relationship can make."