McClatchie now clear for take-off
I hope now I can start a new chapter in my career
Kyle McClatchie Top amateur golfer
● Finishing top-placed amateur at the SA Open last week was just the confidence booster Kyle McClatchie was looking for.
The 20-year-old from Benoni showed great composure in finishing tied-15th, 11 shots back from the winner Chris Paisley.
“It boosted my confidence because it showed that I can play and compete among the top guys on the European Tour.
“I missed the cut by one shot last year so it was a big goal of mine to play well.
“I exceeded my expectations. I worked very hard. I am happy I played so well given the work I put in.
“I hope now I can start a new chapter in my career,” said McClatchie.
McClatchie, who had an A-average in matric at King Edward VII High School, is considering turning professional in the coming months.
“It will be between now and the start of Q-school (qualifying). By March I should know what I’m doing.”
Turning pro is a daunting proposition. The transition into the professional ranks is never easy. “My mom and dad have been really supportive. My dad caddied for me last week. It was a big help having him on the bag. They always travel to the events I play in. I have a good team. Fortunately I’ve built up that team over the years,”
McClatchie holds the distinction of being the first South African to hit a ball at the Olympics when he represented the country at the 2014 Youth Games in Nanjing, China.
McClatchie, who is the country’s topranked golfer on the world amateur golf rankings, got high praise last week. “It was great to meet Kyle and we had great fun,” said Charl Schwartzel after the third round.
He won the Brabazon Trophy, which I won (English men’s stroke play championship) and he is well on track to win the Freddie Tait Cup, which I also won. It’s great to see. The kid played so well. He is a class act and I wish him all the best for Q-School.”
Richard Bland, who played with McClatchie in the first two rounds last week, said: “I couldn’t get rid of him. I reckon he is going to be another Branden Grace or Louis Oosthuizen. He’s a great kid and he’s got a lot of game, especially playing as he did on this stage in front of so many spectators."
McClatchie, who describes himself as a calculated risk taker on course, has a fear of flying. He is loath, however, to redraw his horizons.
“I feel a whole lot better on the ground than in the air,” he chuckled. “It is something I’m going to need to improve. I don’t have much of a choice. I’ve done so much of it, it is getting better.”
When McClatchie, who sounds as grounded as a 20-year-old can be, was reminded he can one day buy his own jet he said: “That’s the goal.”