Darren Clarke has always been passionate about South African golf, so the newly-crowned Ryder Cup European Team Captain was keen to give something back ahead of the Joburg Open, taking part in a golf development clinic and giving disadvantaged children from the area lessons on the basics of the game.
The 2011 Open Champion was the man in the spotlight at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club this week in the build up to the ninth edition of the Joburg Open.
On Wednesday he showed his true class on the Alexandra Driving Range by spending time with some of his fellow professionals, giving close to one hundred disadvantaged children a beginners' lesson.
“The game has been very good to us, that’s why we’re here, and to give a little back is very important,” said Clarke.
“From the age of nine I had every opportunity to go out and play as much as I wanted, and my parents supported me. The kids here don’t have that opportunity. So anytime they get a chance to hit some balls is even more special for them.”
Clarke has always supported the golf development clinics he is asked to conduct in South Africa, and says that the raw talent he sees never fails to impress him.
“They’re all so keen and they listen well," he said. "Sometimes we do clinics in other countries and the kids don’t really listen, but every time we come to South Africa they really listen to what you have to say and what you are teaching them.
“They want to learn, and they’re having fun doing it. I’ve seen a few really good swings again, as always. The Sunshine Tour is working hard to make sure these kids have opportunities to practice, because golf is a game that teaches all aspects of life. It’s hard work. No matter what opportunities you have to become a tour professional of any level is very difficult. It takes a lot of hard work, determination and a strong mindset.
“But without development initiatives such as this we’re not going to find the future stars of South African golf.”
