Ernie Els Foundation dream invite for Madibaz golfer

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Altin van der Merwe

Madibaz golfer Altin van der Merwe has been given a golden opportunity to take his game to the next level after being invited to become a member of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation.

The 24-year-old student-athlete, who has a diploma in business management from Nelson Mandela University and is now applying to do a post-graduate diploma in accounting, will be part of the Foundation’s programme for this year.

“Joining the Foundation is by invitation only and I have been hoping for some sort of recognition for around six years,” said Van der Merwe, who has been playing for the Madibaz Golf Club for the past four years.

Van der Merwe is currently listed at No 18 in the South African amateur rankings and a shift in focus by the Foundation from selecting only juniors for the programme to anyone in the amateur ranks paved the way for his invitation.

The Humewood Golf Club member, who has a handicap index of plus 4.3, will remain in Nelson Mandela Bay to continue his studies, but will receive support on a range of fronts from the Foundation.

Madibaz Golf Club president Karl du Preez said they were delighted at Van der Merwe’s selection for the Foundation.

“He will now have the financial and equipment backing to attend a number of important national amateur tournaments and improve on his SA ranking,” said Du Preez. 

“Madibaz golf and the Nelson Mandela University, as well as Humewood Golf Club, are extremely proud of Altin and his achievements.”

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