No setback too great for Nyathela
HE lost all the toes on his left foot, broke all the bones on the other and needed a hip prosthesis after a horrific car crash in 2011.
Life was rough on golf-mad Daniel Nyathela, but he’s come out swinging.
Nyathela will this week represent South Africa in the BMW Golf Cup International world final at Fancourt which will bring his remarkable recovery full circle.
His biggest angst after the accident was that doctors would declare his playing days out of bounds. “I’m living testimony that you can be accountable for your own health,” Nyathela cheerily remarked this week.
“I am disabled but with the grace of God I managed to bounce back. I was almost paralysed but I never gave up.
“I asked the doctor whether I will be able to walk and play golf after the accident. Because I had an open wound on my left foot he was worried about infection. When he guaranteed me that I would still be able to walk I knew that I would be able to play golf again and my life turned around.”
He and two countrymen will play in the global event having qualified through the national final at Zimbali in January.
The tournament is a big deal for amateurs as competitors from 43 countries assemble for the final.
“With 100 000 participants around the globe this is the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers. The world final is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said BMW general manager, group communication, Diederik Reitsma.
Nyathela is going prepared.
“I have been practising very seriously from Mondays to Thursdays and on weekends I have been playing at club and open championships,” said Nyathela, whose handicap has just dropped to six. “I have played six or seven different courses to sharpen my game.
“I felt I had to improve my putting and I have. In the last four rounds I have three-putted just once. I also had coaching from our local pro. I have been trying to get an idea of what the weather will do and how the course will play. I need to beat the course, then I think I’ll be okay.”
Because of his disability Nyathela, 52, struggles to walk most courses. “I take strain. My muscles pull and I tire quickly. I have a permanent note from the doctor that states I shouldn’t walk. If it is a flat course then maybe, but mostly I have to use a cart. Everybody will be using carts in this tournament.”
The devotion for the sport of the chief training officer at Sasol in Secunda and part-time technikon lecturer is strong.
If he isn’t playing, practising, or coaching children, Nyathela is watching golf on TV.
Thankfully, his understands.
“When we got married I put the ring halfway on her finger and I asked her “do you promise never to trouble or interfere with my golf life?” The pastor was worried because he didn't know what was going on but I said to him we are
wife
Maria just having a small conversation. She is very understanding and she knows I love golf.”
Nyathela grew up in the sport. “After school the first bursary I got was from the guy I was caddying for. After I started working I laybuyed my first clubs over six months. In 1979 I registered to be a golfer.”
He went on to caddy for Wayne Player and John Bland on the Sunshine Tour. Nyathela has stopped carrying bags, rather his own expectations. “I will do my very best. I know it is just an amateur event but I am very honoured to be representing my country.”
I knew that I would be able to play golf again and my life turned around