What started as a local initiative to introduce golf to more young South Africans may well become a talent pipeline for the sport soon. The Vuma Golf Clinics, recently hosted at Stellenbosch Golf Club on 3 April and Bloemfontein Golf Club on 1 May, transformed the lives of young players one swing at a time.
These free grassroots clinics, led by former professional golfer Nico van Rensburg, are designed to give underexposed youth access to the sport, as well as mentorship and guidance in learning practical skills from some of the best players in the country. This, says van Rensburg, opens doors for the young up-and-comers to competitive golf and beyond.
“In 2024 alone, six clinics were held around the country that reached over 280 participants and uncovered a wealth of previously untapped talent. What’s most rewarding is seeing the transformation, where kids who arrive shy or unsure leave with confidence and purpose, and a sense that they belong in the game. Some are already competing at a provincial level, and for others, this is just the start of something much bigger,” he says.
One of those talented young players, Xander Thomson, who participated in last year’s Bloemfontein clinic, has since earned his Free State Interprovincial colours. “He has an incredible natural ability,” says van Rensburg. “But what’s just as exciting is how teaching one young person effectively pays its own way forward, because he’s already mentoring younger players in his community.”
Othimna (Ottie) Qubega is another young talent who has also made waves on the junior circuit, qualifying for the SA Amateur Matchplay rounds and winning multiple titles, including the St Francis Links Junior Open. Similarly, Daniel Fourie from Benoni, another clinic alumni, now ranks number one in the under-17 A division after a dominant season
Taylor Kwong, Head of Marketing at Vuma, says that these achievements speak to more than just sport. “We’ve always believed in the power of access, and by showing up in communities where access to valuable sporting development opportunities may be few and far between, we hope that more young people have the chance to see what’s possible, not just in golf, but in themselves.”
The clinics form part of a broader effort to use sport as a vehicle for youth development, with each session offering not only technical training but also exposure to teamwork, discipline and goal setting. In Stellenbosch, AJ Rossouw – a quiet but determined talent – has already begun competing in the under-19 Golf RSA events and is making his mark in the Boland region. In Johannesburg, Blake Venter, identified during a clinic at the Els Club, has surged into the top five under-15s in Central Gauteng.
“Golf may be the hook, but it’s really about unlocking potential,” adds van Rensburg. “These kids are discovering what they’re capable of, and once that happens, the possibilities are endless.”
Beyond golf, the clinics are about instilling confidence and discipline, and ensuring young players have the exposure they need to opportunities and possibilities.
“Golf teaches you patience, strategy, and resilience. Those are important life lessons, and whether they play for a living or not, these kids leave the clinic with something valuable”, he concludes.
With more clinics planned and growing momentum behind the initiative, the hope is to reach even more aspiring players across South Africa, especially in communities where access to the sport has historically been limited.
To join Vuma Golf Clinics, contact Nico van Rensburg at nico.golfpro@gmail