SIMTHANDILE Tshabalala has the world at his feet.
At the age of seven, Simthandile from Fourways in Joburg, has won over 20 local and international golf tournaments.
A US kids’ golf official nicknamed him “SimTiger” at last year’s the World Golf Championship in Malaysia.
This weekend, Simthandile will represent Mzansi at the Australian Open Golf Championship. He said he is looking forward to competing against peers from around the world.
“I’ve worked hard in the past three months preparing for this tournament. It’s going to be difficult but I’ll rise to the challenge,” said Simthandile.
He’ll also compete in tournaments such as the European Tour Golf Championship in Scotland next month, and the Pepsi Kids Golf Championship in July. He represented Mzansi at the World Golf Championship that took place in Malaysia in December.
He is currently in the top 15 of world kids’ golf rankings. His father Bonginkosi Tshabalala, who is also his caddy and coach, left for Australia last night.
Bonginkosi said: “I told my son not to be arrogant, but to play his own game. I’m glad that I will be at his side to offer support.”
He told SunSport that when Simthandile was two, he and his wife Bongeka introduced him to various sports such as tennis, swimming, soccer and golf.
“When he was four, he was hooked on golf and he never looked back,” he said.
Bonginkosi said he was grateful to Sports Minister Thokozile Xasa and former minister Fikile Mbalula for helping them get visas for the Australian Open Golf Championship.
