Boland's Africa is aiming for the stars

Keelan Africa (right) with his coach Kulk Martinus (centre) and South African professional Richard Sterne

Keelan Africa says one of his goals is to someday beat Tiger Woods: "just to say I've beaten him once".

Of course, the South African Golf Development Board learner does acknowledge that he'd not only be beating his favourite player, but the current world number one might not even be around by the time he turns professional.

"But if I can't play Tiger, I want to play just as well as him, or even better," said Africa, a lanky 14-year-old from Worcester.

In golf, star power at any level starts with low scores, produced time after time, and Africa is already living up to that billing, regularly shooting in the low to mid 70s. What does make him rather remarkable is the fact that he has only been playing golf for five years.

The five-handicapper recently raised a considerable number of eyebrows when he outclassed the top eight under-18 amateurs in Boland, including number one and two, Drickus Bruyns and Armand Scholtz, to win the Wellington Open. The South African Golf Foundation was so impressed that they selected Africa to Boland's under-16 team.

"It was my first really big victory and it has really inspired me," he enthused. "Now I just want to keep on improving."

Africa knows exactly the demands that will be placed on him, having qualified for the Under-11 team some years ago.

"The competition is tough because there are a lot of good players out there and we are all chasing the same dream," he said. "I think it will come down to who wants it the most."

A strong student at Esselin Park Secondary in Worcester, the sixth-grader also schools every day on the golf course.

His schedule includes at least nine holes a day at Riverside Golf Club, with one or two full rounds thrown in on the weekend. He also takes weekly lessons from longtime coach, Oom Kulk Martinus.

"Keelan's mom is an educator at Oefenskool Primary and she encouraged him to join the SAGDB when we launched our program at the school," explained Martinus.

Oom Kulk prides himself on the fact that he was the guy who first stuck a club in Africa's hand.

"He was just nine and he took to golf like to fish to water," said Martinus. "From the moment he swung his first club, he was hooked. He progressed very quickly and that is down to his absolute commitment. By the time he turned 11, he was already beating everyone in his age group and older."

"I think Keelan excelled because he is so disciplined about his practice sessions. He often puts in more time than the other students. He is driven to succeed, both on the golf course and in school."

Africa says that while the best part of his game is putting, it's the toughest part as well.

"I think the mental aspect of the game is very important," he said. "There are a lot of talented golfers out there in the world, but if you are mentally strong, you stand out - like Tiger."

He said the members at Riverside, his parents and SAGDB coach Martinus give him great support and someone always has the right word at the right time.

"I'm even-tempered, but there are times when it's hard," Africa explained. "Things can get in your head when you're not having a great day. Sometimes it's difficult to get past a bad shot, but those are the times that can make the difference to your game."

Africa's father, Con, encourages his son's dreams of becoming a professional.

"His mom and I would like him to consider further education after matric and he is leaning that way," he said. "There are 28 medals hanging on the wall that proves his determination and focus, so if he decides to turn pro, we won't stand in his way."

"The game has taught him discipline that has flown through to his school work. In the first term this year, he finished among the top eight learners in his grade. At the end of the second term, he scored in the mid-seventies."

"I'm proud of the way my son conducts himself, on and off the course. And he has taught me some things about life, like how to really work for something if you really want it."