Pitsi Molebatsi, a Bloemfontein-based footgolf player, has achieved a remarkable feat during the maiden FootGolf World Cup tournament staged in Florida, America, from 26 May to 6 June. He became South Africa’s first-ever highest ranking player internationally of all the players, both men and women that represented the country at this year’s world tournament. Molebatsi was part of the South African team that represented the country under the auspices of FootGolf South Africa (FGSA).
The former U23 men’s football star secured a world ranking of T411. This achievement also makes him the highest ranking player in the African continent.
Molebatsi finished as SA’s national team’s highest scorer overall, with + 8 points in the men’s category at the just-ended FootGolf World Cup.
“This was also a historical moment for me. I started poorly in the tournament as I thought it was going to be easy to be in the top 20 based on my preparations, and winning the Footgolf PRO-AM Tournament held at the Serengeti Golf Estate,” said Molebatsi.
“I had to readjust my mindset immediately after that and I reminded myself that I am only as good as my last putt.
“I think I recovered well after that as my score was +9 at the end of round 1. I scored +1 in 15 holes which was a great recovery after a poor start. For rounds 2 and 3, I score (-3) and in the final round I scored +5, which earned me a total score of +8,” said Molebatsi.
The rising star said the experience gained during the maiden world cup will stand him in good stead for future competitions.
“It was a worthwhile experience to have been part of the first-ever group from the African continent to compete at the FootGolf World Cup,” said Molebatsi.
