Golf development encouraged by eThekwini

Golf development in KwaZulu-Natal has been boosted by the eThekweni District Municipality’s decision to support a new chapter of the SA Golf Development Board in KwaMashu. The new chapter will serve aspiring junior golfers from a number of schools in the township.

The move by the municipality is the first in the SAGDB’s “adopt-a-chapter” initiative, which is enlisting the support of local governments and golf clubs to establish new centres for golf development. The idea is to create a partnership in which the SAGDB supplies the expertise and programme material while running costs are met by the “adopter”. Each chapter accommodates 60 children under the direction of a development coach.

The municipality’s support includes covering the transport requirements of getting the children to golf facilities, meals, drinks and the development coach’s remuneration.

“This support will be a major boost in the KZN region,” said SAGDB development manager Joseph Kunene. “KwaMashu township is one of the biggest townships in the region and to start a golf programme there is a major step forward.”

Kunene said that many people had been asking when they would be starting a programme in KwaMashu, and the municipality’s support had now made this possible.

The SAGDB was also especially pleased that the coach appointed to look after the new chapter is himself a graduate from the development board. 21-year old Thandazo Moses Mavundla learnt his golf in the SAGDB’s programme in Mandini in Zululand.

He currently plays off a 4 handicap and is a member of the KZN Golf Union President’s Development Squad. He has represented the President’s Team in the 2007 Provincial Scratch Premier League. Kunene described Mavundla as a “young, dedicated coach”.

The SAGDB has already selected 78 boys and girls between the ages of eight and 11 through a talent identification process at five primary schools in KwaMashu. Dumani, Emaqadini, Thandokuhle, Khuphukani and Daluxolo primary schools were all visited during May to assess the available talent. Around 100 children were evaluated at each school, with 15 or 16 making the grade from each.

“We will be able to feed the SA Junior Golf Foundation with good young players within two years,” Kunene predicted. “We want to fast track talented players at a younger age and produce quality players.”