Clubs make you win
WHEN I was growing up, the common clubs and social meeting events were football and fishing. Irrespective of whether or not you were a good player or fisherman, it was a place where likeminded people got together for a few hours and immersed themselves in that sport.
Over the past few years more Indians have started playing golf. Formal and social golf clubs have proliferated.
It has been disappointing that in more traditional sports such as soccer, cricket and athletics, the Indian community has not produced more top sportsmen and women. Since South Africa’s readmission to the world stage, only Hashim Amla has been consistently acknowledged one of the best in his relevant code.
Ironically, one of our most famous sportsmen was golfer Papwa Sewgolum, who excelled in what for Indians was a non-traditional sport. Could we see golf produce the next top Indian athlete? It would not surprise me, given the enthusiasm for and growth of the sport in the past few years.
I recently joined the “Sultans of Swing” (SOS) golf/social club in southern Joburg. It has members who are keen golfers, but the comradeship is the core of this club. Similar to what I experienced with football and fishing clubs, it allows like-minded people to get together, play a round of golf and reminisce about the good old days.
Outside of the actual game, it’s great for networking. Team members provide support or assistance during difficult times and arrange family gettogethers. I guess this is what happens at other golf clubs around the country.
A good friend told me golf was a waste of time, but until you play the game and start forming strong bonds with other players, you cannot fully appreciate the sport’s impact on your life.
I felt similar excitement and banter at the POST golf day at the Wild Coast last week, where I had the privilege of catching up with fellow sports contributor Naresh Maharaj. I was fortunate he carried me through the round at a challenging course which was made even more difficult by the howling wind, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Due to our association with POST, Naresh and I deliberately played an average game and allowed others to win the prizes. Some very low scores were achieved and with more parents introducing their kids to the game, we will soon have our own Tiger Woods (in playing ability).
OUR women’s cricket team recorded one of the most one-sided wins I have ever witnessed in any sport.
Playing at the Women’s Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, they bundled out the hapless West Indians for just 48 runs. They reached the winning target in only 6.2 overs with all their wickets intact. With two wins and a draw from their opening three matches, they have a good opportunity to progress to the next round. South African wicket-keeper and number three batswoman Trisha Chetty did not get a chance to contribute with the bat due to the high-scoring opening pair Laura Wolfvaardt and Lizelle Lee.
THE Confederation Cup played in Russia reached its climax on Sunday with world champions Germany up against Copa America winners Chile.
After dominating the first half, the Chileans handed a gift to the Germans, who held on to their halftime lead to win the cup for the first time. It was a youthful German team with regular stars like Ozil, Muller and Kroos left at home. They may already be favourites for next year’s world cup.
I AM sure fellow soccer-holics are going through a rough time waiting for the new EPL season to start.
I would urge their partners and children to support them during this difficult time. However, the new seasons kicks off in August, while the pre-season should start in the next week. Surprisingly, there have not been any major signings with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Real Madrid the main talking point.
Until next time, happy sporting!