NDINAWE SIMPELWE
Ndola
AS SOME of the continent’s top golfers battled for honours at the Mopani Zambia Open and the KCM Challenge, another important contest was unfolding during the two events, the fight to inspire the next generation of Zambian golfers.
The Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) seized the opportunity presented by the two tournaments to conduct golf clinics for young and upcoming golfers.
The clinics held at Nkana and Nchanga golf clubs gave budding golfers a rare chance to learn from seasoned professionals with over 40 boys and girls taking part.
ZGU president Mohammed Bhagoo thanked the professionals for sparing their time to interact with the young golfers, emphasising that the future of the sport lies in young talent.
“The future of the sport lies with these young boys and girls. So we thank the professionals who had time to interact with the players.
I’m sure they picked valuable lessons and will continue to develop,” Bhagoo said.
Local professional Cosmas Mufaya, who is based in the United States of America, was also part of the professionals that conducted the clinics.
For many of the youngsters, it was their first experience of interacting closely with professional golfers.
They watched as the pros demonstrated techniques, explained the details of the game and shared lessons on discipline, preparation and mental strength.
The clinics formed part of ZGU’s broader vision of growing the sport from the grassroots by exposing junior golfers to high-level competition and providing them with mentorship from players who have excelled on the international stage.
Beyond teaching youngsters how to grip a club or perfect a swing, the sessions emphasised values that make golf unique.
Patience, integrity, concentration and respect were among the key lessons passed on by the professionals, who encouraged the juniors to remain dedicated to their development.
Bhagoo said bringing tournaments such as the Mopani Zambia Open and the KCM Challenge closer to aspiring golfers, ZGU ensured that the juniors could see first-hand what is
possible through hard work and commitment.
The clinics allowed the young golfers to ask questions, receive personalised tips and gain insights into the routines required to compete at the highest level.
“Such experiences can prove transformative, especially for children who previously viewed professional golf as something distant and unattainable,” Bhagoo said.
He added that the clinics represented an investment in the future of the game.
“While tournaments produce champions and memorable moments, initiatives aimed at junior development lay the foundation for sustained growth,” he said.
