Golf development extends its reach in Gauteng North
Paul Jenkinson, President Gauteng North Golf Union, Nicky Bodley, Headmistress Edendale Independent School, and Eric Mahlako, SAGDB coach, with learners who attended the first coaching session at Edendale Independent School.
The SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) is growing its programme in Gauteng North through a new project with Edendale Independent School, situated in the country between Pretoria and Cullinan.“The school principal, Nicky Bodley, approached us through the Gauteng North Golf Union, eager to offer golf at primary school level.” explains SAGDB development manager Willie van Zyl. “Being a private school with the needed resources, and with recent financial support from our Union, we could afford to become involved in this exciting venture.”SAGDB development coach Eric Mahlako is offering coaching at the school for learners in grades two, three and four. He also involves staff members and teachers to equip them to assist him with coaching.“The children were very excited with the first introduction session, we were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and interest,” Van Zyl says. “Parents have also been informed that golf is being taught at the school, and we hope that this venture will be a successful one for the school and for golf.”Bodley says that it is exciting to be able to present something different to the learners, and exposure to different sports will only benefit them at their early age.“Golf is a game of precision and patience,” she adds. “I hope our children will learn different motor skills from golf. I would also like to see them pick up the mannerisms of golf, such as discipline, politeness and courtesy. I hope at some stage that they will come to interact with other young golfers too.”Bodley says she was very impressed with the way the SAGDB has worked with the school. “They did not only promise, but delivered the goods,” she says. “They assisted us with equipment and most importantly of all, Eric. He is a precise coach and works patiently with the learners.” Bodley hopes to soon host mini tournaments for their learners as well as for children from nearby areas such as Mamelodi.Van Zyl believes that all the elements are in place to make this a successful venture. Edendale is putting in the necessary effort and resources and Cullinan Golf Club is only eight kilometres from the school.“I already have an agreement in principle that the children will be able to use this facility when they are ready to go onto a golf course,” he says. “The school has its own transport, which will be available for use in the future. In short, the infrastructure is very good and the coach Eric Mahlako is already a hit!”About the SAGDBFounded in 1999, the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) is the only body officially tasked with growing the game of golf in South Africa. The SAGDB is a non-profit organisation (with section 18A donations tax exemption status) and is fully endorsed by government and all of South Africa's official golfing bodies. Through its PGA-approved coaching programme, the board currently has the capacity to coach 3,500 children per week in ten regions. The SAGDB is sponsored by SAA, City Lodge, the Pro Shop, ProRange and ExpandaSign.
