Page 15 - Intra Muros October Issue 2025
P. 15
GOLF NEWS
BRIDGING THE GAP
Introducing the Junior Tee at Silver Lakes Golf Club
s a golfer and a father, I’ve always been passionate
about the sport and its ability to teach discipline, focus
Aand respect for the game. But it was through a personal
experience with my son that the idea of creating a dedicated
junior tee at Silver Lakes Golf Club took shape.
One day, my eight-year-old son participated in a junior
tournament. As I watched him navigate the course, I couldn’t
help but notice a gap that seemed to be holding back many young
players. The majority of junior golfers at the club were not yet
ready to play from the red tees – typically used for the shortest
and least challenging layout for adults – leaving them to struggle
with distances and challenges better suited to older or more
experienced players.
The idea sparked in my mind: Why not design a special tee that
would bridge the gap for juniors between the full-length course
and the red tees? A tee that would cater specifically to children
aged eight to 11, allowing them to play a version of the course
that was appropriately challenging yet still fun and manageable.
This new junior tee would not only allow young golfers to enjoy
the course as it was intended for older juniors and full members,
but it would also open up a unique opportunity for kids to get
handicapped and compete on a level playing field. No longer
would they have to feel outmatched or discouraged; this would
allow them to experience the game in a way that was aligned with
its true spirit, where every player would have the opportunity to
improve and compete fairly.
Moreover, the new tee is not just for juniors. It also serves a purpose
for our club’s members who are trying to refine specific aspects of their
game, especially around the greens. For example, players working on
their short game or looking to improve their wedge play will find this
tee perfect for practising, without the pressures of distance.
In the end, designing this junior golf course wasn’t just about making
At Crawford International, we nurture critical thinkers, the sport more accessible for my son or for other young players; it
innovators and confident students by focusing on the holistic was about fostering a culture where golf is approachable, fun and
development of every student. Our students are encouraged to challenging for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
embrace challenges, ask questions and solve problems. We do
this to prepare them for life beyond the classroom. From At Silver Lakes, we’re now able to cultivate the next generation of
Pre-Primary to College, we equip students with the skills, golfers, ones who can grow their skills from the ground up while
mindset and global perspective to thrive both locally and enjoying the game as it was meant to be played.
internationally.
Danie Viljoen
INTRAMUROS OCTOBER 2025 | 13