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Sishen - Former Proteas cricketer Johan van der Wath’s passion for golf has already seen him turn professional and try and secure a card on the Sunshine Tour.
And now he’s moved to Johannesburg to also start coaching the game.
Van der Wath is playing in this week’s Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament at Sishen Golf Club as he continues to pursue his dream of professional golf.
He currently has playing privileges on the Big Easy Tour in South Africa, but not yet on the main Sunshine Tour although he’s been a competitive presence at the tour’s qualifying school.
“I get some tournament invites on the Sunshine Tour,” said the 38-year-old, who is still as passionate as ever about the game.
“I’ve moved from Bloemfontein to Joburg, basically for my own golf but also to get into golf coaching. I want to coach in golf and not in cricket.”
Van der Wath’s cricket career included his role in the historic 438 game when South Africa beat Australia in their one-day international at the Wanderers in 2006.
“I’ve had great times in my cricket career, but at this stage golf is number one. I always say cricket was my job and golf is my passion. Most cricketers would normally play a bit of golf socially, but I’m passionate about it. I wake up in the morning and want to play golf or do something in golf, and I don’t have that same feeling about cricket.
“So now I’m looking to set up an academy and getting a lot of the schools involved, including a few golf clinics in Joburg. I think there are a lot of kids out there that are very keen on golf. It’s a great sport. You can play it until you’re 80.”
