Breaking barriers: Orange Farm girls tee off in the world of golf

Often seen as an exclusive sport for the elite, golf is making waves in the township of Orange Farm, thanks to the efforts of the Ke Yarona Golf Academy, trading as Smart Golf.

This local initiative is not only introducing golf ekasi but also empowering young girls to excel in the sport. Speaking to Orange Farm News, board member Nomsa Nkomonde shared her passion for this groundbreaking project. She said: “I have been elected as a member of the Orange Farm Sports Confederation and also serve on the board of Ke Yarona Golf Academy NPO. Currently, we have 28 young girls from Orange Farm participating in our programmes.”

In the last six months of 2024, Smart Golf held regular Saturday practice sessions at Chris Hani and Alberton. They also competed in the 2024 Smart Golf Parent-Child Challenge, where Nomsa and Rethabile Mphela secured an impressive second place in their category.

The academy focuses on creating opportunities for youth and women from previously disadvantaged communities through three key programmes:

1. Adopt a Child Programme: Offers coaching for children under 10 years old and 28 girls aged between 12 and 19.

2. Beginners’ Golf Clinics: Provides affordable lessons for adult women to increase access to the sport.

3. Golf Mentorship: Supports unemployed professional golfers to nurture current and future stars.

Smart Golf is calling for sponsors and partners to expand its programmes. Businesses, government departments and individuals from sectors such as telecoms, mining, hospitality and more are invited to collaborate in growing this inspiring initiative.

For more information, reach out to Ke Yarona Golf Academy and help shape the next generation of township golf champions. Please call, Nkomonde on 079 640 6626.