A grade four learner from Curro Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng triumphantly represented the U.S. Big Five International Kids Golf team in a tournament held at Magalies Park Country Club, Hartbeespoort last month. Nine-year-old Motsamai Moreki competed against teammates from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, the USA, Italy, and Mauritius and finished in a fantastic sixth place in the 9-10 age group. After being introduced to the sport by his golf-loving father Peter Moreki at the tender age of seven, Motsamai quickly excelled and started playing at minor golfing tournaments across South Africa. He then joined the Big 5 South African Open tournament and earned enough points to compete in international events like the one at Magalies Park Country Club.

“I initially thought playing golf would teach Motsamai about good behaviour and how to work hard and stay focused.  I didn’t ever think that he would be competing in tournaments, especially at the level he is now. I am very proud of how quickly he has taken to the sport and how well he is doing,” says Moreki. The Big 5 golfing tournament offers young golfers the opportunity to compete in multi-day championship events. To prepare him for the championship, Motsamai has been receiving weekly coaching lessons from Fanie Roos since 2019. Roos is a class AAA PGA professional and has been a golf coach for 13 years.

Motsamai Moreki

“I am delighted by Motsamai’s fantastic achievement. Not only is he very talented for his age, but he also has such a great attitude. I love that he is always cracking jokes during practice and never gives up. These qualities will stand him in good stead for what I am sure is going to be an exciting and rewarding golfing future,” says Roos. To add to his fantastic achievement, Motsamai also came second in another U.S Kids local tournament at Waterkloof Golf Club on 22 May. With two great wins now under his belt, Motsamai has earned himself international status and is now looking ahead, having been invited to play in Europe, America and even South America this year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed these tournaments. They gave me the chance and confidence to build on my ranking and achieve even better success in future championships. I am very lucky to have such a supportive family, coach and school, and am looking forward to working hard, both on the golf course and in the classroom. Although it is a great achievement to be invited to play in so many different countries, I want to also focus on my schoolwork and so won’t be able to play in all of them. I am, however, considering playing in Venice in Italy in August this year, which is very exciting” concludes Motsamai.

Motsamai Moreki