Kamaya credits grandfather for golf win
RISING junior golfer Kamaya Moodliar had her grandfather Deva Moodliar to thank following her wire-to-wire victory in the B Division of the Sanlam South African Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Championships at the Port Elizabeth Golf Club recently.
The 12-year-old, Grade 6 pupil at Umhlali Preparatory School won the title by 14 strokes from Gauteng’s Lauren Clough and Sanet Pieterse from Border after she posted a winning total of 251.
Kamaya’s triumph was indeed a highlight for the family as her game had regressed, shooting in the 90s. She had outgrown her clubs, affecting her handicap from 13 to 16, when grandfather Deva gifted her a new set. It was a timely present.
“She managed perfectly well with not much practise with the new clubs, and to everyone’s amazement excelled, claiming the B Division spot, shooting 82, 86 and 83. She owes a big thank you to him (Deva) as he had contributed to her win,” said her mom, Radha.
Kamaya was introduced to the sport at the age of five when she accompanied her elder sister Senayah to the driving range and watched her play. That piqued her interest.
“My dad used to take us to the Palmlake Driving Range every week and buy us milkshakes and doughnuts. I would sit there eating and watching. After going many times, I fell in love with the sport,” said Kamaya, who has a 13 handicap and plays in the B Division.
The Ballito sisters have been playing competitive golf for several years and have represented South Africa internationally too. Five years ago they represented South Africa at the European Championships in East Lothian, Scotland. Senayah competed in the U10 division, placing 11th, with Kamayah competing in the U7 division, placing 12th.
Last month, Senayah shot 71 to win best net at the 2018 Nomads SA Girls Rose Bowl Championships at the Royal Cape Golf Club in Cape Town.
Having started competitively at the South African Kids Tournament, the sisters now regularly represent the KwaZulu-Natal Ladies Golf Association (KZNLGA) in local tournaments and were scheduled to compete in the Umhlali Club Championships last week.
Senayah took an interest in the male-dominated sport at the age of eight, when her neighbour, Oupa Hennie, encouraged her to watch the game. Soon she was begging for her own set of clubs, and trips to the driving range followed. Today she has a six handicap and plays in the A Division.
“I train two hours a day, four days a week and play tournaments every other weekend. I also play chess and have been doing Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) for about seven years. The dance has helped my golf performance and viceversa. Dance has also taught me patience and to persevere,” said Senayah.
She also takes an extra Grade 10 applied mathematics subject at Ashton College in Ballito but still keeps a balanced social life.
“I have made a lot of friends in all these circles. We love doing sleep-overs, having braais, swimming and going to movies. It is also easier that we share the same dance and sport interests.” Coached by Aileen Wilks, the sisters have found a balance between school and golf.
Their younger brother Kaven, 9, also started playing golf two years ago. Last year, he came second at the South African Kids Junior Golf Tournament at the Cotswold Golf Course in Hillcrest.