Golfer to swing one for victory

HE lost all toes on his left foot, broke all bones on the other and needed a hip prosthesis after a horrific car crash in 2011.

Life was rough on golf-obsessed Daniel Nyathela, but he has come out swinging.

Nyathela will this week represent South Africa in the BMW Golf Cup International world final at Fancourt, bringing his remarkable recovery full circle.

“I am disabled, but with the grace of God, I bounced back,” said Nyathela. “I was almost paralysed but never gave up.”

He and two countrymen will play in the global event after qualifying through the national final at Zimbali in January.

The tournament, a big deal for amateurs, will see competitors from 43 countries assemble for the final.

“With 100 000 participants from around the globe, this is the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers,” said BMW general manager for group communication Diederik Reitsma. But Nyathela (52) is prepared. “I’ve been practising from Mondays to Thursdays and on weekends, ” said Nyathela whose handicap has just dropped to six.

“I’ve been playing at clubs and open championships to sharpen my game.”

Nyathela, a chief training officer at Sasol in Secunda and part-time technikon lecturer, grew up in the sport.

“After school, my first bursary was from the guy I caddied for. After I started working, I lay-buyed my first clubs over six months. In 1979, I registered to be a golfer.”