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Johannesburg - On the same day that Gary Player was celebrating his 50th anniversary of winning the Major Grand Slam with the community in Soweto, another Soweto golfer was completing a Grand Slam of his own.
Renowned South African rules official Theo Manyama attended the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits thanks to support from the PGA of South Africa.
And with this he completed his own Grand Slam of having officiated at all of the four Majors. He is also the only South African rules official to achieve this.
“I’m delighted to have completed my Grand Slam. It’s been a big dream of mine because I always felt that if I didn’t do the PGA Championship there would be something missing from my career. I am very grateful to the PGA of South Africa that they helped to make this possible for me,” he said.
“The PGA of South Africa is honoured to have assisted Theo in this regard and we commend Theo on the friendships he has built within the worldwide golf industry that ultimately made this dream possible,” said Ivano Ficalbi, Chief Executive of the PGA of South Africa.
Manyama has now officiated at 16 Masters, nine US Opens, 19 Open Championships, and one PGA Championship.
And he says he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from the South African golf community.
“I’ve had so many South African golfers and caddies coming up to me and congratulating me, and telling me that I’ve made them proud. Gary Player is the only South African golfer who has won the Grand Slam. And I am very proud that I am the only South African rules official with a Grand Slam in officiating. I can honestly say this is the highlight of my career as a rules official.”
