Fresh off the boat: A Voyage from the Southern Tip of Africa
The journey commenced along the windswept West Coast of Cape Town, within the confines of a quaint town called Melkbosstrand, approximately 25 kilometres northwest of the city.
My passion for golf was ignited at the tender age of 7 when I stumbled upon a golf club nestled amidst the clutter of our garage. An innocent attempt to strike a golf ball towards the nearby public park ended up in an unexpected trajectory, soaring beyond the park's borders and landing within a neighbouring house.
That moment cast an unbreakable spell on me, leading me to make a resolute decision at the age of 13 – to forsake all other sporting pursuits and dedicate my athletic ambitions solely to golf. From age 13 onward, I immersed myself in competitive play, representing my district from under-13 levels to senior tiers. I participated in national championships, shouldered the captaincy of the university team while pursuing a degree in planning, and charted a course that seemed destined for a dual career in golf and academia in the United States. However, I veered from this path, opting to embark on a sabbatical year to pursue a professional golfing career. Yet, that aspiration remained unrealised, and I redirected my focus towards the realm of urban planning.
During my early days in the private sector as a planner, a novel idea began to take shape: the desire to explore the world while pursuing a planning-related endeavour in some corner of the globe. After much contemplation, I set my sights on New Zealand as my chosen destination – a place of unmatched natural beauty and abundant globally acclaimed golf courses. The allure of this country proved irresistible.
Since I arrived in New Zealand, my weekdays have been dedicated to navigating the intricacies of the planning system. However, my weekends have been a canvas for competing in tournaments, reaping some success in Dargaville. I've also engaged in league play for Northland Golf Club and was honoured to represent Northland in the inaugural 'Great Northern Battle'.
Yet, my ultimate aspiration remains unchanged: to participate in the New Zealand Open as an amateur, with the qualifying being in early 2024.
Beyond my passion for golf, I find solace in enjoying a cold beer, harbouring an unwavering love for sports, and sharing hearty laughter with colleagues through our signature s92 responses (lol).
For those curious about the yarns and experiences of my journey from Africa, I extend an invitation to join me on Fridays at 5 pm.