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


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