He swings a club better than most social golfers despite being just over 5 cm shorter than his favourite driver, but this adorable six-year-old is not just playing games – he’s a natural at competing on the big stage.
Riedwaan Darries, a Grade R learner at Somerset West Primary School, recently finished fourth at a US Kids’ Golf South Africa competition hosted at De Zalze Golf Estate in Stellenbosch, a remarkable achievement for the little golfer, who hits up to 70 balls a day during practise sessions.
“He took an interest in the sport by playing with my golf clubs, as I play socially with my friends on weekends,” said Nuhr Darries, Riedwaan’s father. “We initially took him to play putt-putt and he really started to enjoy it, so we moved on, got him some children’s clubs and he started to play the big shots.”
Now the family searches for children’s tournaments to give the talented young golfer as much exposure as possible – and so far he hasn’t disappointed.
The little golfer cuts an extremely cute figure when lining up the ball and assuming perfect posture at the tee. His eyes focused on the ball, he murmurs to himself the technical qualities of the different clubs and drivers, a reminder to himself of which shot to take.
And then he swings, the ball aloft in the air and over a back fence at their home in Sandvlei, where a makeshift driving range serves as a daily practise spot for the talent.
“I like hitting the sweet spot,” Riedwaan shyly admitted. “I used to play cricket and other sports at school, but now it’s mostly golf. I enjoy going to golf courses and can’t wait for the next tournament.”
And even when crowds are watching him at a tournament, such as at De Zalze, Riedwaan remains composed and focused on the task at hand. He confidently said he doesn’t really get nervous, but just plays his game and stays out of the bunkers.
Darries said his son’s technical game continues to improve, largely thanks to the assistance of golfing coach Helena Buitendag, who is a class AAA PGA professional and offers lessons at Strand Golf Club.
She said Riedwaan only started golf lessons this year and has grown in leaps and bounds since then. According to Buitendag, it is amazing to see how the young golfer’s golf swing has developed as he has started to apply the correct basics to his game.
“His passion and love for golf is infectious, and he is a very sharp and smart boy with a fascinating ability at a very young age to apply the information that is given to him,” she pointed out. “I am very excited to see what the future holds for him as a golfer.”
As the father of the little boy, Darries is pleased sport is something that keeps his son away from the screen and other distractions.
“We’re now waiting for the new season to start, so we can continue working on his technique and enter more tournaments,” he said.
