A bright future for Keelan

13-year old Keelan Africa is one of the brightest young stars in the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB). Keelan, who currently plays off a 15 handicap, is a member of the Riverside Golf Club in Worcester.

Keelan recently showed his potential by finishing third at the Fish River Challenge - an inter-provincial u/13 tournament that featured teams from Boland, Border, Eastern Province, Western Province, Southern Cape and the Free State. He was tied for first after the first nine holes of the event, but unfortunately couldn't sustain that form through the full 36 holes.

His score of 15-over par over two rounds was also the best score from a Boland player.

"Keelan felt very proud about the way he played in this tournament," says the SAGDB's development manager for Boland, Andre Rossouw. "It gave him new confidence in his golfing abilities."

Rossouw adds that Keelan has now set himself the goal of attaining a single-figure handicap and playing in as many events as he can.

"This experience has taught Keelan to stay positive," he says. “He realised that he mustn't get angry with himself if he makes a mistake, but to keep concentrating."

Rossouw believes that Keelan has the potential to become the best player the SAGDB has produced in the Boland region. Two of the board's top graduates, Cedric Rooi and Jacquin Hess, both come from Boland, and Rossouw believes Keelan can follow in their footsteps.

"I believe he will represent Boland at every age group level," he says. "He can become the next role model for the kids in Worcester."

The SAGDB's Boland head coach, Isaac Mahoney, adds that Keelan could do even better if he were given more exposure to competitions. This would develop both his skills and his confidence.