There is a new hero in town and to say that Volvo Golf Champions winner Branden Grace has encouraged 15 SAGDB learners from George would be an understatement.
The amateur golfers were invited by Volvo to attend the second and final rounds of the Tournament of Champions at Fancourt and relished the opportunity to watch 35 of the world’s leading golfers compete for the prestigious title.
But, after spending two days following South Africa’s double European Tour winner around The Links layout and watching him claim his second victory in as many weeks in South Africa, Grace is the man who has inspired these teenagers to take their golfing careers to the next level.
“He is definitely my new hero. He showed the whole world that even development players can make it with hard work, determination and confidence,” said 14-year-old Riaan Grootboom.
“He made some mistakes in the final round, but he kept on fighting. That’s a real champion. I’ve always been Louis Oosthuizen fan and Charl (Schwartzel), when he won the Masters, but I’d like to see Branden beat them.”
Watching Grace serve up a master class in golf to beat Major winners Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off was just half the fun.
In addition to enjoying complimentary refreshments at the Public Village and having their official caps signed by the winner, another highlight for the learners was rubbing shoulders with the country’s leading golf reporters and some international golf writers at two press conferences with Grace.
The learners said they thoroughly enjoyed listening to Grace talk about what it takes to make it on the international stage and to see how he dealt with some difficult questions from the media.
“It was amazing to listen to Branden in the press conference,” said 16-year-old Corne Robertson.
“I was really proud of him. He was very honest and spoke about how he wasted some opportunities early in his career. He said he doesn’t regret it because it made him humble and work harder.
“He also said you can always come back if you are determined enough. I think Branden is living proof that no matter what the setbacks are, you can win if you work hard enough at it.”
Jonugan Oliphant, a 12-year-old from George, said Grace will become the new hero for this generation’s development players.
“We only learned that Branden was at the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation during the press conference. And we realised that like us he didn’t get everything served on a plate. But he managed to rise above his circumstances with his game and so can we.
“I think a lot of children in the SAGDB will be following his career much more now that he won two in a row. He is an inspiration to all of us.”
Grace was thrilled to see the SAGDB learners at his press conferences and was even gracious enough to answer some questions from the learners.
“It was quite funny, because he answered us in Afrikaans,” chuckled 13-year-old Virgil April. “The guy asking the questions had to ask him to repeat the answers in English for the international journalists.
“Branden told us that the main thing during a round is to stay calm, focussed and to only concentrate on your own game. He said never worry about what the other players are doing. Even when he had a double bogey and a bogey in the final round, he stayed focussed and got back into contention.
“And when he missed the short putt to win, he just focussed on his own game and he forgot about Ernie and Retief. He said it was the most fantastic feeling to beat his two idols to win. I hope one day I get the chance to say that to Branden.”
SAGDB Southern Cape regional manager, Johan Erasmus, said the opportunity afforded to the learners by Volvo will prove invaluable in their further development.
“They got to watch 35 of the world’s best players over 36 holes and they learned a great many things,” he said. “They noticed the importance of course management, especially at a tough course like The Links. It was especially evident when you watched how the South Africans approached the course as opposed to the international players, who didn’t know the course that well.
“They also observed how all the top players stuck to a set routine before they played, before they hit their tee shots or putts. And they learned some valuable insight into how to deal with media.
“It certainly was an unforgettable experience for the learners and the coaches. I don’t doubt that Branden Grace will serve as a great inspiration for them in the future.”
Ends
About the SAGDB
The South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) is a non-profit organisation with section 18A donations tax exemption status. Since its formation in 1999, the SAGDB has grown a network of coaches and officials who work across the country to develop the game in the cities and also the most remote areas. It currently operates in Boland, Border, the Eastern Province, Ekurhuleni, Free State, Gauteng Central, Gauteng North, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Southern Cape and Western Province. Through its PGA-approved coaching programme, the board currently has the capacity to coach 2,500 children per week in
11 regions.
Since its inception, the SAGDB has coached over 17 000 youngsters, produced 25 senior provincial and u23 players, 108 junior provincial players, and four players in the senior national squad. Over 1 500 players have participated in junior golf tournaments and 34 of its most talented players have been invited to join prestigious and recognised High Performance Centres such as the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation. Six former SAGDB players have earned their tour cards on the Sunshine Tour.
The SAGDB is sponsored by City Lodge, Taylormade, The Sports Trust and Free to Grow.
Released on behalf of the South African Golf Development Board by Michael Vlismas Media. For further information, please contact the SAGDB on +27 21 852 8056 or email info@sagolfboard.org
