Youngster to take swing at title
A UITENHAGE golfer has set her sights on bagging another winner’s medal when she competes in the 34th Ackerman Championships at Clovelly Country Club in Cape Town this weekend.
Jamie-Lee Daniels, 15, looks to continue on the good run of form she’s enjoying over the last few months in the hope of winning her second title this month.
She will compete alongside Justine Botten. Daniels, who picked up the Boland Ladies Championship title earlier this month, finished the tournament three strokes ahead of the in-form Kaleigh Telfer and Sammy Barber.
Daniels shot a final round 71 and ended with a total of 145, just one shot under par for the tournament, while her opponents Telfer and Barber both shot rounds of 148.
“Success is not something that comes easy, it’s something that you have to work towards and keep striving for,” Daniels said. She is coached by her dad, Manie Daniels, a former EP golfer.
She added it is never easy being a young golfer because “you have to make time for school while still keeping your eye on the ball”.
Daniels has been playing golf since the tender age of four and says her love for the sport started when she visited the golf course for the first time. “I was with my dad and sister, picked up a golf club and just started swinging.”
She has been playing golf competitively for the last seven years, but admits that picking up her first major title was a good feeling. She has represented Eastern Province for golf for the first time in the boys age divisions from under-12 and U14, she also represented EP U19 girls and recently acquired her senior ladies colours for the Eastern Province.
“It was awesome to pick up this win, and it’s only the second time I’ve competed in the tournament, ” she said.
Daniels is a Grade 9 pupil at Riebeek Girls College.
Riebeek College principal Marilyn Woods said: “We are all extremely proud of Jami-Lee’s wonderful success in her chosen sport of golf. What is so admirable about her, is that she continues to give of her best at school and endeavours to take part in as many of the extra-mural sporting and cultural activities on offer.”
Daniels lives a very active lifestyle as she represents her school for hockey and swimming. She also plays squash socially and does a bit of cycling on the side.
“She is a true example of a Riebeek girl of whom we are justifiably proud. She has the ardent and loyal support of all of the Riebeek family, “Woods added.
Daniels does not have an idea of what profession she would like to venture into, but insists it will be something to do with sports. “I would like to continue playing golf once I complete school, but I would like to study first and get a degree behind my name,” Daniels said. She would like to become a professional golfer
“To any young girls who want to become a golfer – don’t be afraid and take the chance. Don’t listen to the boys who say they are better than you, because that is not always the case,” Daniels said.