Every now and then in life we come across bright and talented kids that will make you question what you did in your life when you were their age and Tokollo Dhlamini is that girl.
At 16, the Ekurhuleni native has achieved so much in a sport that has a very small number of girls that look like her, black and female.
In 2019, Dhlamini got to play with President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2019 State of the Nation proceedings in Cape Town in a demonstration mini-game. Let it be known that the then 15-year-old born in Mmakau was too good for the number 1 citizen.
The Grade 11 pupil at Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School of Specialisation started at the age of 10 in a SA Kids Golf Tournament after her mom.
gsport Writer Lonwabo Nkohla caught up with the young yet very wise Dhlamini.
Tokollo, it is such an honour to talk to you, before we get into your awesome budding golfing career, tell us about yourself, what grade you’re in and which corner of the legendary Ekurhuleni you are from.
My name is Tokollo Dhlamini born in Mmakau and raised in Tembisa township in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. I’m 16-years-old in Grade 11 at Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School of Specialisation.
Now let us talk golf, a sport that feels so inaccessible to most South Africans, let alone a Black, female South African. When and how did you get introduced to the sport?
My passion for golf began in 2018. I was introduced to golf by my mom, waitress at Kempton Park Golf Club and straight away from that moment I wanted to be the Greatest in the World.
What about golf resonated with you and your personality?
It is important to have a VISION when you’re young. I had my own vision even though it wasn’t clear to me at that time. Staying in a back room with my mom, I knew I wanted a better life. I wanted to go to school, university, have my own house, car and independence, so when life presented me with path that wasn’t part of my vision, I was able to steer clear of them.
When I went to Ruimsig Golf Club, I had to catch 3 modes of transport to get to Ruimsig Golf Club and as a result, I was exhausted in the course by 10am because I had woken up at 4am to prepare for my journey from Tembisa to Ruimsig. I could have taken the easy way out and found a boyfriend with a car to drive me, like many of the girls did, but I never took the easy way out and I hope that can inspire and empower other girls to do the same.
I want them to fight for what they want to achieve and to build strength and confidence along the way. One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is that when you’re a golfer, you need to be prepared to walk the journey alone until you can find those who can walk the same journey with you. Girls are taking charge of their lives and that’s what I’m doing now.
Every path has its challenges and we have to shine a light on them so as to recognize where we as a society can improve for Tokollo and others who would like to follow your path. So, talk to us about some of the challenges of being involved in a sport as exclusive as golf – from representation to perhaps the costs one can incur.
Sometimes I have to choose between studying and playing golf. Sometimes I’m unable to play in tournaments because of not having funds to register, for flights, accommodation, food and pocket money. Others are fortunate enough to come from wealthy and supportive families.
These are two luxuries that most black golfers do not enjoy. The government is in no position to help us and all black golfers from poor families will struggle. If South Africa wants us black golfers to win major golf tournaments, CHANGE HAS TO HAPPEN NOW.
Golf has had you travel to various countries, it has had you beat number 1 citizen, President Ramaphosa, what have been some of your proudest and favourite moments on the course? Flex on us, please.
(a)I was invited to play with the President (Ramaphosa) Presidential Golf Challenge soon after SONA 2019, after I came back from Malaysia World Junior Championships. What I remember about that tournament is the high fives, first laughs and it was my turn to tee par 5, I wasn’t overly nervous, I stuck to my game plan and I hit my driver straight on the fairway and I WON the longest drive. We had a genuinely great time out there and I was thrilled to add my name to the winners list and a FANTASTIC FEELING FOR BEATING THE PRESIDENT.
(b) STANDARD BANK PRO-AM SERIES invited me to me to play with my Coach, Nicole van Pletsen, at Randpark-26th October 2021. Beating my coach was indescribable. It was very tough out there and I think everyone who played that tournament will agree with me that we were so much sharper thanks to the experience.
What would you say to inspire other Tokollo’s to get into golf?
Which human being wakes up and does not have a DREAM, HOPE or DESIRE? I think a new day is an opportunity to start over, to rewrite the script and stretch yourself beyond your imagination. If you ever wake up and think you have arrived, it’s a sad day you’re doing to stop growing and striving to be a better person. My advice is: Never be afraid to dream big. When one door shuts in your face don’t let it deter you from your Destiny. Failure is not final, it gives you an opportunity to start all over again, but this time more intelligently. Dust yourself off, pull yourself together, get up and keep walking. Life is full of challenges. If you’re going to quit every time, you won’t go where God has called you. Knock on another door until you’re let in.
Who are 2/3 of your favourite golfers and what do you like about each’s game?
Tiger Woods: His chipping, he always aims for a spot on the green where he wants his ball to land and to let it roll out close enough for a kick-in.
Nelly Korda: Her putting, her secret to left hand low putting, I tried her secret and it’s working.
Goodness knows how well we wish for you, the sense of pride is immeasurable, what is the big dream? Where do you see yourself taking this passion of yours?
Having my international career is my dream. So it’s entirely my responsibility to make it work. I have the stamina and hunger for it and so far it’s coming together slowly but surely. I want to spread my wings further. I don’t want to limit what I do to the local scene. It didn’t come easy, it takes working at it both in golf and school to make it great.
My ultimate biggest dream would be to challenge Tiger Woods. The reality is I may never get the chance to challenge him but there’s no harm in trying. I’d love to caddie for Tiger Woods Ryder Cup 2023.
How can business, government and maybe even individuals help in making sure this passion continues to burn to levels we know you can get?
I believe that a successful nation is determined by the passing of a vision from one generation to another. If we want to see change we have to do things excellently. My TD Foundation is designed in a way that girls can search within themselves to find out what is it they want to achieve and what they were born to do. We assist them to find their vision for their lives. The government and people in business and corporate can partner with me to make a difference in society.
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