SAGDB opens new chapter in Uitenhage

Golf development in the Eastern Province region has received a boost with the opening of a new chapter of the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) in Uitenhage. The new chapter is part of the board’s ongoing mission to grow the game of golf around South Africa.

“The Eastern Province is a vast area stretching from Humansdorp in the West to Graaff-Reinett in the Karoo and Port Alfred in the East,” says SAGDB development manager John Bailey. “Moving out of PE for the first time shows that development golf is growing and we are extremely excited about that growth.”

The Uitenhage community has a strong sporting tradition and is currently well served by the Uitenhage Golf Club. The club has been a supporter of golf development for a number of years and its willingness to host the new chapter sets an example for clubs in the rest of the country.

Over 100 youngsters from schools in the area have already signed up to benefit from the golf coaching and life skills training the SAGDB offers. This number will unfortunately have to be reduced to make coaching sessions more manageable, but Bailey says the overwhelming response is an indication of how well the project has been received.

“The excitement and enthusiasm of the pupils has been unbelievable,” he says. “We want to give as many children as possible the opportunity to get a taste of the wonderful game of golf.”

The puils recruited into the programme come from Sikhotina Primary, Mthonjeni Primary, Dalrose Primary, Uitenhage Primary and Caritas Primary.

The coach appointed to look after the new chapter is Uitenhage Golf Club member Frans de Kock. De Kock has a long history of involvement with golf and his son Alistair is currently a member of the EP senior team.

Since opening the new chapter, Bailey says he has already received interest from at least one other club to expand golf development into other areas. He says there is growing recognition of the contribution the SAGDB is making to the sport, which augurs well for golf development in Eastern Province.