Worcester youngster off to inter-provincial

The SA Golf Development Board’s top player in the Boland, Cedric Rooi from Worcester, recently received the biggest news of his promising career – he has been selected for his provincial team to compete in the u/18 inter provincial tournament (ITP) in Tshwane in December.

The u/18 IPT is the biggest tournament on the junior boy’s golf calendar and brings together the top young players from all over the country. Cedric’s participation is a boost for the profile of the SAGDB and an indication that the board’s coaching programme is moving in the right direction.

“At first Cedric didn’t want to believe the news when he was told,” said the SAGDB’s development manager for Boland, Andre Rossouw. “But when his selection was confirmed, he assured me that he wouldn’t disappoint us.”

Rossouw believes that Cedric’s determination has been an important part of his success.

“Last year I told him that his biggest achievement would be to make the IPT and we discussed what needed to be done,” Rossouw said. “We set out what tournaments he needed to play and what his stroke average had to be, and this vision has worked.”

Cedric was selected for the eight player team as the seventh player on the province’s junior order of merit. Former SAGDB players Keenan Davidse and Trevor Mahoney were also picked. Both youngsters are currently members of the elite Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation.

The tremendous support Cedric has received from the Boland’s golfing structures, his school Esselen Park Secondary, and the Riverside Golf Club have been vital in his development. He also enjoyed tremendous guidance from the SAGDB’s coaches.

“I must acknowledge his coaches, especially the guidance of Isaac Mahoney and Kulk Martinus,” said Rossouw. “They stuck to their belief in Cedric’s ability and have always supported him.”

Rossouw added that Cedric is aiming to play for Boland’s u/23 team from next year and therefore wants to continue his education close to him. The Boland Golf Union has already indicated that they will support his progress and provide opportunities for him in the future.

 Cedric Rooi