And here we are, playing in as many local GNGU tournaments as humanly possible, playing national, balancing school, finances, church and family, only to wonder at the end of the day, is it all worth it? Is it worth the wait, the hours on the course, playing, walking, practicing, come rain or shine? Well it is, and the proof is in two of our juniors reaching the top and achieving a major junior goal this month, as they set out to enter the amateur golfing fraternity.

Well done to Tristen Strydom and James du Preez for being awarded their junior Proteas colours for going to represent South Africa later this month in Japan. We are proud of you and we will be watching your every move.

Also not forgetting our other beloved GNGU junior, Zander Lombard, who left us at the beginning of 2013 to pursue his golfing career on the amateur scene. Zander also achieved his Proteas colours a while back, making him one of four GNGU juniors doing this in quick succession.

These great achievements also coincides with another one of our juniors of three years ago, Brandon Stone, turning pro! Stone’s amateur career has made him the talk of the golfing world and, after a year at Texas University where he finished the season ranked second on the collegiate rankings according to GolfWeek, he will play in his first professional event at the BMW International Open on a sponsor’s exemption. Ahead of his professional debut, Stone will also be signing deals with Ping and Titleist/Footjoy.

Credit Dale Boyce

Stone headed to the United States on a golf scholarship last year as the top ranked amateur in South Africa and has had a freshman year to remember, winning the 2013 Big Conference Player and Newcomer of the Year, the Bayou City Collegiate Championship and the Big 12 Championship. Last week, he was announced as the 2013 NCAA Freshman of the Year and a Ping First Team All-American.

Named Golf Digest Amateur of the Year in 2011, Stone has represented South Africa at junior and senior levels. He served as a member of South Africa’s 2012 Eisenhower Trophy and has amassed a staggering 18 titles over the past four years. Proud of you Brandon! A true GNGU ambassador.

Four success stories in just the last 3 years. We at the GNGU salute you all and we are truly blessed to have so many excellent golfers coming our way.