Border
Ladies Golf may be the union with the smallest number of members, but with the
committed leadership of its President, Muffy Parsons, one can only expect this
union to grow from strength to strength, and attract more young women to the
game.
The Union
receives money from the Lotto and also fundraises independently to ensure its team
is well supported and is able to compete often enough.
Border
Ladies Golf’s immediate priority is the successful staging of the Border Ladies Open Championship which
takes place from 16-18 March at West Bank Golf Course, but
Parsons also has her eye on the future.
"We will be
starting 2008 on a very encouraging note. Besides five girls who are part of
the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB), there are at
least eight young girls who have shown they are very keen. They
have handicaps, which are coming down rapidly, and they have
started playing in our ladies competitions as well as Border events.
"It is my
goal as President to get them ready for Provincial golf as soon as possible. Most
of them will be taking part in our annual clash against Eastern Cape in Port Alfred in August.
Border Ladies Golf also sponsors the SAGDB girls to local junior and senior
tournaments"
Parsons is
optimistic about provincial women’s golf in South Africa and credits Ashleigh
Simon for setting a goal for all to follow, saying the overall state of the
provincial game is currently very strong.
"Caroline
Kettlewell, President of Women’s Golf South Africa,
set the pace when she and her executive were instrumental
in granting a coach, manager, and sports psychologist carte blanche in setting
up training camps for the girls who participated and won the World Amateur
Teams Championship.
"This was
obviously very successful and I predict that this will probably move down to
provincial level so that as they start representing their country, their camp
could be very much more advanced. South Africa definitely has the
talent, but still needs more experience in world competition."
While Border’s
provincial team is quite seasoned, and continue to play very good golf, Parsons
is heartened by the growth of the younger golfers in her province.
"Our three
young stars that have shown their enthusiasm and who are very excited about the
game are the two sisters – Tamaryn (16) and Michaela (12) Fletcher
and Judy Papenfus (16). They are all three very friendly kids who are
wholeheartedly supported by their families.
gsport caught
up with rising golf star, Tamaryn Fletcher, who lives in the small town of Gonubie, about 15 minutes outside East
London. One of her golf ambitions is to play College golf in America.
Tamaryn, when did you take up golf and what drew you
to the game?
I first
picked up a golf club when I was about 13 years old. I saw my cousins playing
and decided to try it out and give them a run for their money. I only started
playing seriously at the beginning of last year.
What is your golf handicap?
My handicap
is 22 and still making its way down. I’m currently going through a swing change
and hoping that will come right soon so I can play more golf.
Which is your home golf course?
It is
Gonubie golf club, a small 9 hole golf course filled with friendly, dedicated,
encouraging members.
Which is your favourite golf course to play?
East London Golf Club. I like it because it is tough and challenging
but rewards good shots.
What do you enjoy most about playing golf?
Seeing hard
work paying off with great shots, amazing recovery shots and just meeting new
people.
What have been some of your biggest golf
achievements?
I won the
Border Nomads Strokeplay Championship- Girls section.
Coming 10th
at my first ever SA girls in Middleburg.
Winning the
Border Ladies Christmas Competition as part of a team with my sister.
Winning the
Bronza Medal Championships in KZN
What was the last tournament you played in and how
did you fare?
I played in
the Stutterheim Junior Champs and came 5th.
Your sister Michaela also plays golf. Do you share ideas on your respective golf games?
It is
challenging yet nice to have a sister playing golf. We both are so competitive.
We do share tips and help each other where we can. We encourage each other to
do better and better every time and we are always there for each other.
Did you both take up golf at the same time?
We both took
it up at around about the same time.
Are your parents supportive of your golf career?
Absolutely!
They always there for me, at every golfing tournament and practice. They are
always encouraging my sister and I to reach for the stars and higher.
How do you deal with disappointment on the golf
course?
I try to
stay calm and remind myself that I just need a good recovery shot. I also try
and forget about that shot I have just played and remind myself to stay
positive.
Who are some of the South African women golfers you
admire and why?
I admire
Laurette Maritz and Ashleigh Simon and Stacy Bregman. All these players are
South Africans that are doing well over seas and work hard.
What are some of things you do to constantly improve
your game?
Practice!
What goals have you set yourself regarding golf in
2008?
- To
get my handicap lower-13-18 - To
play more golf - To
make the Border girls and Ladies side. - To
do well, play my best and to have FUN
How do you feel about your chances in the upcoming
Border Ladies Open Championship?
I will be
playing…Watch for results…
Who are your golf heroes?
The Pink
Panther (Paula Creamer) and Tiger Woods. Paula Creamer is a good player that
brings a more feministic approach to the game of golf. She has many
endorsements and finds a balance between that and golf.
Tiger Woods
would be another hero of mine as he is someone that works hard to get to where
he is today and what he has achieved. He is someone that is kind and gives back
to golf with helping underprivileged children.
What is your advice to young girls who are keen to
take up golf?
Try, try and
try again! No one gets it the first time, it can be tough but achievement comes
through hard work.
What is your ultimate golf ambition?
It is to get
my handicap lower and to go and play College golf in America. I would also like to turn
pro but if I cant I would like to teach or do something in the field of golf.
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