The SAGDB’s programme in Gauteng North has enjoyed a year of great improvements. With the support of the Gauteng North Golf Union and clubs such as Hillside and Akasia, development initiatives are going from strength to strength.

At the end of 2014, the SAGDB was coaching 117 children in Gauteng North at just one club – Hillside. That number has since grown to over 200 children at six different clubs in the region.

At the same time, the number of SAGDB players with club memberships in the province has also more than doubled. From just 8 club members in 2014 there are now 20 youngsters with club memberships that allow them to compete at official junior tournaments.

Along with this growth in numbers, many players have put in very encouraging performances during the year. None was more impressive than Koketso Mokumo’s second place at the Gauteng North Junior Matchplay Championships.

It was the first time an SAGDB player had progressed to the final of this event and a huge confirmation of the work being done by the coaches in the region. It also set a new standard for other players to follow, and hopefully improve.

Along with Kifentse Nukeri, Koketso was also selected for the Gauteng North junior team in quadrangular events that included Central Gauteng, Ekurhuleni and Mpumalanga. The two became regular features in these sides.

Kifentse also earned selection to both the Gauteng North u19 and u23 teams for the respective 2014 Inter-Provincial Tournaments. This was another first for an SAGDB player, and proof that the programme is succeeding in its goals of unearthing and nurturing exceptional talent.