Golfer Joseph Booysen deserves honorary membership
George Golf Club has proposed stalwart Joseph Booysen, who joined the club in 1984, as honorary member for rendering outstanding service in the club's junior development programme over the years. When this enterprise, started by the
South African Golf Development Board in 2004, floundered, it was decided that the club would independently continue adding value to these children's lives. Booysen is recognised and beloved by the children from disadvantaged areas such as Borcherds, Conville and Rosemoor. Apart from golf, Booysen teaches the children life skills, showing them that the discipline of golf spreads into school and life and introduces them to new opportunities. He inspires them to become what they dream of, and you can be certain that, if you see the kids sitting next to the chipping green and hear Joseph talking to them, he is teaching them a life lesson. He has coached and cared for literally hundreds of children over the past 14 years, also seeing to it that they have food and safe transport to the golf club. Joseph is the force behind the opening of the driving range in Rosemoor, a project that took three years to get off the ground. His legacy will remain with these kids even if they don't carry on playing golf.
Though the programme was always about more than just golf, there have been many success stories. Franklin Manchest, who was one of the first intakes, has represented Southern Cape at junior and senior level, is a member of the Ernie Els Foundation and has represented South Africa at national level. The winner of the 2018 C Division Club Championship, Devon Twigg, with Joseph as caddie, has been in the programme for only 2 years.
Joseph is still remembered for his fantastic win of the George Golf Club A Division championship in 1988, hitting a five iron from 170m over the green almost to the middle of the 9th fairway. He represented the George Golf Club A and B league teams for many years and has represented the Southern Cape. Joseph's character is reflected by his decision in 1989 to give up his place in this team as he felt that his golf was not up to scratch. The team ended winning the SACD tournament that year. Joseph epitomises passion for the game and his legacy will be long remembered.