From being a helper at the golf club, this humble St Francis Links member is now a PGA Professional 

BY CHRIS VAN GASS 

Perserverance and hard work. These are the keys to Nazeem Goeda becoming a PGA professional at the age of 33.

From cart washer to PGA Pro, Goeda's journey to possibly playing on the Sunshine Tour – and who knows where else – has made him the pride of St Francis Links in the Eastern Cape.

Nazeem was presented with the PGA jacket at an award ceremony held at Royal Johannesburg in June. Jeff Clause, CEO and PGA Master Professional at St Francis Links, said: 'He's made us all proud. Soft spoken, man of the Lord, and now qualified PGA Professional.'

Clause said: 'We're absolutely bursting with pride that our very own Nazeem has officially qualified as a PGA Professional.'

From humble beginnings to donning that coveted PGA jacket, Nazeem's journey has been a great one to follow. 'He started at the very bottom, a true golf assistant extraordinaire, who made sure our carts sparkled,' said Clause.

He became company and staff driver. He obtained his PDP (Professional Driving Permit) and took on the responsibility, ensuring that the St Francis Links workforce got to work safely and on time.

Goeda first became interested in golf eight years ago. 'When the golfing worm bites, it's difficult to get rid of it,' he says. 'I quickly became fascinated by the sport. Despite lacking experience, I was intrigued by its challenges, which required both physical skill and mental strength. As I practised regularly at the local course, I realised the dedication needed to succeed.'

Goeda grew up in Humansdorp, a small town in the Eastern Cape.

'In this community, traditional sports like rugby and cricket were popular – until I discovered golf.' He said starting golf later than his peers posed challenges, as many had played since childhood.

'This motivated me to work harder and I had to learn as much as I could – day in and day out. I sought help from local coaches who saw my potential and offered guidance on my game.

'Golf has taught me that no matter how prepared you think you are, things can change very quickly. It's how you treat any bad situation and make it a better one'

'Golf has taught me that no matter how prepared you think you are, things can change very quickly. It's how you treat any bad situation and make it a better one. Through countless hours of practice, I built technical skills and resilience, essential for any aspiring professional athlete,' said Goeda.

He has also had a 'taste' of the Sunshine Tour, having played with pros James Kamte and Wallie Coetsee.

Augustine Moos, Goeda's 'significant other' says his love for golf began the moment he set foot on the course.

'With each game, he became more and more passionate, and his love for the game grew stronger and stronger each day. He never misses a game on his off days. I'd usually send him an encouraging message before his game, whether he was just practising or participating in a competition.

'Whenever he'd have a bad day on the course, I'd just tell him: "You'll get the next shot." He is a very good golfer and a very good teammate. He always supports and encourages his teammates, regardless of how they play. He is also very dedicated, skilled, and precise when it comes to golf,' says Augustine.

She remembers the day he was invitated to join the PGA membership programme.

'We were both excited and scared at the same time, not knowing what this new journey would bring. But now that I look back, I can truly say I'm really proud of him.'

Goeda sees golf as a hobby and a sporting challenge, 'but then again without putting in the work, you won't see results, so you have to try and sync the two as one'.

Come good or bad on the golf course, he still enjoys every moment. 'This game sometimes can affect you as a person negatively, but if you keep on staying positive, it can make any bad situation better.'

NAZEEM GOEDA / PGA SOUTH AFRICA