Fuente: © Southern Africa Tour
http://www.sunshinetour.com/

SOUTHERN AFRICA TOUR: Immelman embraces the spirit of NMI

/noticias.info/ It is not everyday you see golfing legends, international stars and celebrities rubbing shoulders on the golfing greens. Such was the joy for 20 up-and-coming youths with front seats to the 2005 NMI today.

Then, off course, it’ a whole different experience when you get hands-on-golfing tips from one of South Africa’s top international golfers, Trevor Immelman.

This was the case for the fortunate children of the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) from the Somerset West district.

“It’s fantastic to be here, share some tips with you and just have a chat.” said Immelman.

It was also a stroll down memory lane for the SAGDB’s coach, Josh Bezuidenhout, who used to play with Trevor at the Somerset West Golf Club when the world number 64 was around 16 years of age.

“I knew then that Trevor was going to be big; even then he had the right mindset and it is amazing for the kids to get some tips from one of their idols,” said Bezuidenhout.

While Immelman pursued a professional golf career, Bezuidenhout remained interested in teaching and developing the children in his community through the game of golf.

He prides himself of developing well-rounded individuals and not just good golfers. Only after a month of hard training on the driving range and learning the ins and outs of golfing etiquette will the young golfers get the chance developing their game on the golf course.

“Our aim is not to develop golf professionals but rather to focus on the development our children through the game of golf. This includes teaching them about golfing administration, acceptable behaviour in the clubhouse, developing their game at a regulated pace.”

Bezuidenhout has obviously had great success with his protégé’s since even Immelman struggled to find fault with some of the players’ swings.

This is proven by the fact that five under-12 and under-14 SAGDB players received their provincial colours, while Hybre Davids and Alicia Lewis won the Erinvale Ladies Championship recently.

Davids was among the children who received some tips on her swing from Immelman. The 15-year from Gordon High, who practices religiously at the Vodacom Golf Village in Somerset West, was smiling from ear to ear after Trevor told her that ‘your swing is perfect’.

“It was so exciting,” said Davids, excitedly shaking a signed Nike glove in our faces. “He told me I had a perfect swing, but I need to work on my grip. Then he showed me some tips that I will try when I get home tonight.”

“I even got to play with his clubs!”

Another child’s swing was even compared to Sergio Garcia’s and one could see the young golfer’s face going from initial confusion to absolute pride.

Immelman plans to assist the SAGDB of Somerset West in the future with sponsoring golfing gear. And has decided to take his $100 000 cheque from the President’s Cup and give it to charity.

All in all it was a good day for the young golfers of SAGDB.

As one child said, ‘When will I ever get another chance to shake Gary Players hand, get a signature from Ronan Keating and golfing tips from Trevor Immelman.”

“Simply awesome.”
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