Adam stamps his mark in Eastern Province

Andile Adam has progressed through the SAGDB's ranks to represent Eastern Province at under-23 level

The Eastern Cape region is often hailed as the centre of sports development in South Africa, due to its rich sporting history and a sports-mad population.

It is the birthplace of some of the country's greatest success stories such as Makhaya Ntini, Ashwell Prince and James Kamte. It is also home to Andile Adam, a SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) graduate who is carving a name for himself in amateur golfing circles.

The 20-year-old Human Resources student from Motherwell was 14 when he took up the game of golf and joined the development board's program in Port Elizabeth. In six short years, he evolved from a total beginner to an able five-handicapper.

"It's a bit mad when you think I couldn't even hit a golf club six years ago," said Adam. "I only began playing golf because I thought it was something I could do with my dad, Zolile, but within weeks, I was hooked. I found out about the SAGDB's programme, joined them and I've never looked back."

Adam was enrolled at Humewood Golf Club under the coaching expertise of Graeme van der Nest.

"I often think that if I hadn't joined the SAGDB, I may have given up golf," said Adam. "Graeme was a superb coach, especially when I was still green and couldn't tell a driver from a putter."

"He also had incredible patience with us. He would take you through your swing over and over and over until he ran out of light. But it was his passion for the game and his desire to see us succeed that inspired me most."

In 2007, Adam was selected to the EP Under-18 side, but the next year Adam had to juggle his team obligations with school. Desperate to make good grades to gain college admission, his golf suffered.

Although he kept his place in the U-18 side, he didn't play for the team.
"I was disappointed, but I've always wanted to study and it was important to me to do well," he said.

As a compromise, Adam took a gap year after he matriculated. "I had to leave the SAGDB programme since I'd turned 18 and finished with school, so I joined Graeme Whale at Port Elizabeth Golf Club through the Eastern Cape Golf Union."

During this time, a chance meeting with Kamte further strengthened Adam's resolve to commit to golf and take his game to the next level.

"James and I got talking while he was waiting at the first tee during a Vodacom Origins event at Humewood," explained Adam. "We didn't have a lot of time to talk but one of the things he said was that you have to have a clear picture of what you want to achieve and then work at your goals with total devotion."

"The SAGDB had given us the same message and hearing James say it cemented it in my mind."

Adam devoted his time to golf and in April this year, his score average earned him a spot in the EP Under-23 Interprovincial side that competed at Euphoria Golf Estate in Limpopo.

"I did really well in the foursomes, but I wasn't on form in the singles, which was disappointing," he said. "Although our team didn't win, the experience was still invaluable. It is at competitions like these that you can clearly see the areas where you fall short and what you have to work on and that is very important."

Kamte also told the self-confessed late bloomer never to set his goals too big or too far into the future, another piece of advice Adam has incorporated in his life.

"My goals for 2010 are to try and gain a first class pass in my first year and to try and get my handicap down to at least a two," he said. "Of course I also dream of making the Eastern Province Men's Side, of playing for South Africa and of becoming a professional golfer, but I don't want to think too far beyond this year."

"Right now it's important to me to complete the three years of my diploma. Right now I want to maintain a high standard with my golf and continue to improve."

Adam makes a point of returning to Humewood as often as possible.

"I've been a member here through the SAGDB since 2005," he said. "I just love practicing here. Humewood is a true, traditional links course that challenges you every time play. A true test of golf."

"And of course, Graeme is still here, coaching SAGDB kids, and I relish every chance I get to challenge him to a round of golf."