New opportunities for young golfers in the Breede River region

The SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) has opened its newest chapter in the Breede River region. The chapter, which serves the Robertson Valley and Montagu areas, is fully funded by the Rotary Club of Breede River Winelands.

SAGDB development manager for Boland, Andre Rossouw, is looking forward to the chapter growing over the next year and beyond. The reaction to the new chapter has already been positive.

“The excitement about the new chapter has hit the local schools,” Rossouw says. “In Robertson, over 30 kids arrived for the first session, but unfortunately we will have to cut that number to 20 for coaching.”

The children in Roberston came from Dagbreeek, Vergesig and De Villiers primary schools, while learners from Asbury Primary School were invited to the Montagu coaching session along with children from other schools already receiving coaching at the club.

Learners in the region are also fortunate to have an already established role model. 16-year old Jacquin Hess is currently the SAGDB’s top player in the Boland and a regular member of the province’s age group teams. He has been receiving his coaching in Worcester.

“If kids here can see what golf can do for Jacquin Hess, then hopefully lots of other kids will take this game on,” notes Rossouw.

Rossouw is also enthusiastic about the support being received from Rotary and the local golf clubs. The SAGDB is aware that for golf development to succeed it must be a collective effort, and the Boland region has been a leader in this regard.

“Most clubs in this region are willing to support the development programme,” Rossouw says. “More clubs are willing to support us because they see the success of our players.”

The chapter is the latest to be opened through the “Adopt a Chapter” initiative, which invites clubs, municipalities and community organisations to support golf development through funding a local golf development centre. The Rotary club has pledged to support the chapter on an ongoing basis through an annual grant.

“There is great talent here,” Rossouw says. “Hopefully we can expand to more towns and even more rural areas will become involved in golf development.”