Golf development making strides in EP

The SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) is the nationally recognised body responsible for growing the game of golf in South Africa. The development board is endorsed by the sport’s official governing bodies and the South African government. It is also supported by the game’s international rule-making body, the R&A.

As part of its vision for developing the game in underprivileged areas, the SAGDB is running a highly successful programme in the Eastern Province region. With support from golf clubs and the local golfing bodies, EP is setting high standards for golf development.

The SAGDB’s development manager for EP, John Bailey, is particularly pleased with the assistance being provided by the local golfing community.

“Eastern Province Golf Union sets a good example in supporting golf development and is well supported by Womens Golf Eastern Cape and the South African Junior Golf Foundation,” Bailey says. “The three major golf clubs in Port Elizabeth - Port Elizabeth Golf Club, Humewood Golf Club and Walmer Country Club - have also played an immense role in our success.”

The three golf clubs are all offering a number of free memberships to SAGDB players and allow the development programme free use of their courses for monthly tournaments. Port Elizabeth GC also recently handed over R25 000 for the development of junior golf through funds raised in its “rand-a-round” initiative.

Encouraged by this support, the board’s coaches in EP are doing an outstanding job at nurturing the talent in the area. Bailey believes that their commitment is critical to the success of development initiatives.

“With a dedicated coaching staff and committed players we are progressing in the right direction,” he says. “The appointment of Mzuyanda Zingela as the Regional Coach has also played a vital role in our success as he is the perfect role model for these up-and-coming youngsters.”

Zingela has represented South Africa at international level and his experience and passion for the game are significant assets. He has also benefited from the SAGDB’s national training programme, which is working towards improving the skill levels of all its coaches in conjunction with the PGA of South Africa.

Under his guidance, the top players in the region are being recognised at provincial level. The SAGDB will be well represented in provincial teams during the September school holidays, with three players competing in different age groups at inter-provincial tournaments.

Andile Adam has been chosen for the u/18 team, and one of the region’s brightest talents, Fezekile Kana will be playing for the u/16 side. The EP u/13 team will contain three SAGDB players - Kim Daniels, Rushane Peters and Granwell Gelderbloem.

In addition, local youngster Jonathan Nappies will be competing in the C-division finals of the Hayes Junior Classic. Nappies won the regional playoffs to qualify for the event at the Zebula Country Club.

These successes are an indication of how the game is developing in the region. With over 300 youngsters currently active in the SAGDB’s programme in EP, more promising players are coming through the ranks.

Bailey believes that much of this has to do with the SAGDB’s new coaching plan which sets clear goals for everyone involved.
 
“This fresh, results-oriented programme with attainable targets for both players and coaches is starting to have a positive effect in the region,” he says. “Identifying and developing talented players through a well structured and measurable coaching strategy is starting to bear fruit.”