CAPE TOWN (30 July 2012) – Most golfers take for granted the ease with which they can toss their clubs in the back of the car and head out for an early-morning tee-off when the dewy grass still smells sweet. But for many children inSouth Africa, golf equipment is a luxury their parents can’t afford.
Even more so for the learners in the national SAGDB programme, who are completely dependent on donated equipment to learn and hone their craft.
But an astounding donation from COBRA PUMA GOLF is set to make a substantial difference in the blossoming development programme aroundSouth Africa.
“COBRA PUMA GOLF gifted the SAGDB with drivers, hybrids, woods and irons worth a staggering R800,000,” explained national coach and technical director, Grant Hepburn.
“This donation will go such a long way in boosting our programme around the country. Our numbers keep growing, but while we have substantial equipment for the beginners and younger learners in the programme, our coaches are often faced with a tough task in finding the right size and length clubs for the older and more advanced learners.
“The proper equipment is often not available in our stock but the wrong equipment is very detrimental to the swing and it stunts the growth and development of our future stars.
“This donation will certainly boost our growth. To be able to distribute suitable equipment for the elite players in our programme across the country, is a major step forward for the SAGDB.”
COBRA PUMA GOLF genera lmanager Deon Bakkes said he was delighted to find a source that could put the equipment to use.
“Since the stock had become obsolete, it was scheduled for destruction,” he explained. “But instead of destroying the clubs, they will be put to great use in the SAGDB programme. It’s wonderful to know that in some small measure, COBRA PUMA GOLF has contributed to the foreseeable golf development inSouth Africa.
“We were thrilled to learn that the South African Golf Development Board can use these clubs for their elite players and we hope this helps them to reach the next level.”
Since its inception, the SAGDB has coached over 17 000 youngsters, produced one senior national player and four players in the senior national squad, 25 senior provincial and U-23 players and 108 junior provincial players.
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 of our former learners have even earned their tour cards on the Sunshine Tour,” said managing director Ken Viljoen. “The value of having the right equipment for our advanced learners can not underestimated and we are really thankful that Duncan Wood from the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation put Deon in touch with us when he was approached about this equipment.
“We currently have elite players in 10 provinces and this equipment will go a long way in giving them the opportunity to excel and grow and take their games to the next level.”
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 the most remote areas.
It currently operates in Boland, Border, Free State, Gauteng Central, Gauteng North, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Southern Cape, and WesternProvince. Through its PGA-approved LTAD coaching programme, the board currently has the capacity to coach 2,500 children per week in nine regions.
Since its inception, the SAGDB has coached over 17 000 youngsters, produced 1 senior national player and four players in the senior national squad, 25 senior provincial and U-23 players, 108 junior provincial players. 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 wishes to thank the following donors and patrons for their continued financial support: Mr. J. P. Rupert and Associates, The Remgro Group, Alfred Dunhill Links Tournament and The Dunhill Championship.
Sponsors: The Sports Trust, Nedbank, Ethekwini Municipality, The Richer Foundation, and The Ernie Els Invitational,
Product Sponsors: The Sports Trust, City Lodge, Taylormade, COBRA PUMA GOLF, Sunshine Tour and Free to Grow.
SAGA Provincial Union Contributors: Gauteng Central, Western Province, Boland, Mpumalanga, Southern Cape, Gauteng North, Border and Free State Northern Cape.
The South African National Department of Sport and Recreation the Sunshine Tour, the R & A, the South African Golf Association, the PGA of South Africa, the Women’s PGA of South Africa officially endorse the SAGDB.
For more information, contact Marianne Nieuwoudt on 021 852 8056 or admin@sagolfboard.org
