Golf tees off in Alexandra
11 January 2008Golf has come to Johannesburg's Alexandra township, in the form of a new driving range, built as a legacy project of the Joburg Open.
The range is in the suburb of Lombardy East, a stone's throw from Alexandra. It will work closely with schools in the area, introducing children to golf and giving those who show interest and talent the means to become regular golfers.
It consists of a tee box with room for eight golfers at a time, distance markers ranging from 50 metres to 300 metres, fairway bunkers and putting greens.
Speaking at the opening on Monday, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo said that a second phase of driving range, to be developed in the near future, would include an education centre and areas for grooming golfing sods, profiling and nurturing greens and managing bunkers.
This facility will be supported by the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, which will provide maintenance equipment and teach course management and development skills to trainees working at the range.
"We have seen a real interest from people, especially from the township of Alexandra, and we will ensure they get all the necessary support," said club chief executive Gary Marais.
Masondo said that while golf was growing in popularity in South Africa, it was still seen as a sport for the elite. The Joburg Open would go a long way in changing this perception and inspiring young people to take up the sport.
The 2008 Joburg Open teed off at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club on Thursday.
Source: City of Johannesburg
