MARCH • sport Young golf star comes to the fore
31 2013
Yusuf Dadoo proves that dynamite comes in small packages.
This six-year-old golf-and soccer-crazy boy will represent South Africa in the US Kids Golf European Championship in Scotland in May. He will also participate in the world championship in America in June.
Yusuf, who lives in Melville, Johannesburg, developed a love for golf at the age of four.
He also loves soccer and plays for the Wits Football Club under-7 team. In addition, he has also started playing tennis at school.
The Grade one pupil at Auckland Park Academy of Excellence (Apax) said his favourite subjects are maths and physical education.
“I love playing golf. I have made many friends while playing. I especially enjoy chipping and putting. The sport has also taught me to be respectful.
“My favourite golfer is Rory McIlroy. When I grow up, I want to be a soccer player and a professional golfer,” he said.
The love for sport runs in the family. Both his father, Ebrahim Dadoo, and his maternal grandfather, Suliman Bhyat — who are volunteer sports coaches at Apax — are involved with the soccer club Azaadville United.
Bhyat, who is also a cricket coach, has mentored professional cricketer Gulam Bodi.
“I first realised that Yusuf showed promise to be a good golfer when we were at the Vodacom World of Golf two years ago. He was chipping by himself and we didn’t know that he was being watched by one of the golf instructors,” said Dadoo.
“Yusuf was aiming for a small metal sign which he kept hitting consistently.
“Later, the instructor approached me and encouraged me to cultivate Yusuf’s talent.”
Dadoo said he was proud of his son’s achievements. He is looking forward to accompanying him to Scotland.
Yusuf’s golf coach, Andrew Corthing, said he has huge potential.
“Yusuf has a lot of self-discipline for a young player. If he keeps it up, he will be a future star player.
“He attends practice sessions once a week and is never late. He has a great support system from his family,” said Corthing.