Youngsters show potential
CENTRAL Durban Golf Club hosted its inaugural Junior Golf Development tournament at the Windsor Park Mashie Golf Course on Sunday.
The tournament attracted a field of 20 youngsters, who had an opportunity to learn some important lessons from veteran coach Rowan Ramtahal.
Organiser Sunny Singh said the event was a great success.
“It is time we senior golfers give back to the game. It is hoped that with nurturing and coaching, at least one of these youngsters can go on to become a championship winner.
“I was impressed with the raw talent shown by the youngsters and the commitment of the parents who came to help harness this talent,” said Singh.
He said the nine-hole tournament was preceded by a chipping competition, which was won by 14-year-old Raees Ravat.
“Besides providing hot dogs and cooldrinks, each participant received a goodie bag and medals, while the top three received trophies.”
Singh said they would host the event at least three times a year.
“We are using our own funds and negotiating with sponsors to join us in this initiative. However, we hope to get some funding from the KZN Golf Union, which recognises the need to promote the development of young, underprivileged golfers.
The top three in the 11 to 14 category were: 1st Raees Ravat, 2nd Kyle Archary and 3rd Shravan Lucken.
The winners in the 7 to 10 category were: 1st Kalian Ponnusamy, 2nd Tariq Cherry and 3rd Ikram Shrubrati.
Singh added that Ponnusamy was the grand nephew of the late golfing legend Links Ponnusamy.
“He carded a birdie on one of the holes.This young lad clearly has the talent in his genes and I expect him to do well in future tournaments,” said Singh.