SAGDB and Links Foundation inspire young golfers

Walking in the footsteps of the legends of the game and playing golf courses they’ve only seen on television were some of the highlights for young golfers Devon Valentine and Mitch Phigeland on their recent tour of Scotland with the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB).

Both Valentine and Phigeland are part of the SAGDB’s programme to use golf to change the lives of South Africa’s underprivileged youth, and which is supported by the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The young golfers said they returned from the tour with a new vision for what is possible in their own lives as they challenged themselves on the Scottish links courses of Muirfield and the Old Course and met some of the stars of the game at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open.

“This was a great experience for me. It just opens your mind to what is out there and it’s great to see the best in the world in action and what you need to do to get to that level. You might think you’re good when you play against golfers your own age, but when you see what these professionals do in all forms of their game, from the practice to the mental side of things, it makes you realise there is a lot of room for improvement,” said Valentine.

Phigeland added, “The experience of meeting some of the top professionals has inspired me to work even harder. It’s made me even firmer in my belief that I want to play in one of these tournaments one day and be one of the best in the world. I’ve seen St Andrews on TV before but being there was incredible. The course is so special. Being able to tee off there was a once-in-lifetime opportunity, and to have a photo on the famous Swilcan Bridge was a dream come true.”

The trip was a powerful reminder of how golf can change lives as both Valentine and Phigeland tried to put into words the experience they had in Scotland and how far removed it felt from their own beginnings in the game.

“I started playing golf when I was eight years old. My grandfather and father taught me. I grew up in a small township in the Eastern Cape in South Africa and there was only a rugby field there, so I started playing golf on the rugby field. Then the SAGDB came into my life when I was 10 years old and it changed everything for me. They took me to tournaments and I’m so grateful for that,” said Valentine.

“Playing Muirfield on this trip to Scotland was probably the highlight for me. What stood out for me the most was the tradition they had at the club. Your mobile phone had to be on silent at all times, and if you want to send a message you need to go outside the clubhouse. In the clubhouse you need to wear a blazer and tie. I loved that. They also treated us with such respect and kindness. And then seeing St Andrews for the first time was a dream come true, and playing well there made it even better.”

Phigeland was equally blown away by his experience.

“I was first introduced to golf when I went to a local driving range in Cape Town and my uncle was actually coaching some SAGDB golfers there. He said if I wanted to I could join them every Saturday. So I did and I fell in love with golf.

“This was my first time in Scotland. It was amazing and I really felt the privilege of playing the same golf courses some of the legends of the game have played. I met players like Nicolai Højgaard, Justin Thomas, Ludvig Åberg, Ryan Fox and Gary Player. Playing the links courses was also special. My home course has a links feel to it and I love the way you can be creative with different shots. This trip made me feel very privileged and blessed.”