SAGDB trio chips off their old blocks

From left to right: Winston Booysen, Joseph Booysen, Sakkie Roberts and Chandre Roberts keep it in the SAGDB family

There is an age-old adage about apples that don't fall far from the tree, and in the case of the SA Golf Development Board's (SAGDB's) Chandre and Keenon Roberts and Winston Booysen this old saying certainly proves to be true.

"There's no doubt that all three are all real chips off the old blocks," said SAGDB regional manager in the Southern Cape Johan Erasmus. "Joseph Booysen and Sakkie Roberts are top coaches in our programme here. They have achieved a lot of success over the years, so it's little wonder that their own children and grandchildren are doing so well."

The three youngsters certainly give Sakkie and Joseph something to smile about.

Chandre Roberts underlined her growing potential when she won the 10-18 handicap Division in her debut at the Women's Golf Rose Bowl this May. The Heidelberg teenager beat Gauteng's Eleonora Galletti, Mieke de Ridder from Eastern Cape and Michelle Wears-Taylor of Gauteng North by five shots for the title at Kloof Country Club.

She also qualified for the Southern Cape Under-16 Girls Team and placed 25th in the B-Division of the Nomads SA Girls Championship at Orkney Golf Club.

"It was quite an experience, because I never expected to win," the 16-year-old gushed. A Grade 10 learner at Kaiross Secondary School, Chandre's unexpected success on the golf course has put the family in a bit of a quandary.

"I only joined the SAGDB's development programme when my dad joined as a coach in 2007," she explained. "I learned the ropes from my dad and I absolutely love it. I want to study medicine but I would also love to play professional golf."

Dad Sakkie refuses to put any pressure on his daughter.

"Like so many of my students, my daughter has taken to golf like a fish to water and she blossoms out there on the course," he said. "Her mom and I feel it's important that Chandre finishes school and tries to get into the medical profession, but if she comes to us in two years time and says she wants to turn pro, we won't stand in her way."

Keenon Roberts, on the other hand, already dreams of turning pro. The 10-year-old knows he has a long way to go before even playing in his first pro event, but having qualified for the SAGDB's regional squad is a good start.

"I began playing golf three years ago and I'm a 32 handicap now," said Keenon. "When I watch the guys play on television, I know that's what I want to do."

Grandpa Sakkie would rather focus on the next goal.

"Before we start talking about turning pro, I'd like to see Keenon make the Under-12 Junior Squad. That's the next goal."

But Keenon isn't daunted by the prospect of what lies ahead.

"I'll get there in a couple of years," he says confidently. "After all, I've got my granddad in my corner."

Winston Booysen credits dad Joseph with his selection to the SAGDB's Regional Squad.

"My dad taught me everything I know," said the 11-handicapper. "He has been my coach since I joined the SAGDB in 2005. My dad knows my swing and can spot straight away if something is out."

Unlike Keenon, the 18-year-old George High learner doesn't have professional golf aspirations.

"I would like to follow in my father's footsteps and coach golf. I've witnessed how effective the SAGDB programme can be. I would like to make the same kind of changes to the lives of underprivileged children."

Although he is flattered by Winston's admiration, Joseph admitted that he would like to see his son complete his studies before deciding his career.

"He plans to study sports management and during his course, he might find another avenue that he wants to pursue," said Joseph. "But if he still wants to coach golf, I would be extremely proud."

It is little wonder Sakkie and Joseph are smiling proud with youngsters like these. And while their children are carving out a name for themselves in South African amateur golf, their fathers are going about business as usual.

Joseph has run the SAGDB coaching programme in George for the last five years and teaches five days a week at George Golf Club and Fancourt.

"There are 50 children under my wings and I want each and everyone to succeed," said the 54-year-old. "There is a champion in everyone, after all."

Likewise, Sakkie looks after 32 learners in the Heidelberg area, six of whom have reached level two in the SAGDB's programme.

"All the children you coach become like your own," he said. "You have dreams for each one and you make it your mission to see that every learner reaches his or her full potential. It's great when your own children or grandchildren succeed, but it's just as great when any one of your learners breaks through."