A 12-year-old golfer at Firgrove Primary has recently been selected to represent Western Province Golf in a Triangular hosted by Boland Golf Union on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April.
Keaton Filander who currently has a 12,5 handicap took up golf during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and he has since grown leaps and bounds while also ploughing his knowledge into other younger golfers.
According to his parents, the schools were closed during the first few weeks of the local Covid-19 pandemic and Keaton did not have much to do so he started hitting golf balls.
“Keaton started hitting golf balls, first on the grass in the front yard, but then the area got too small,” said his mother Patricia. “He then went across the road to hit in the open field. This was when his dad saw that he has a good swing. We watched him for a while, and he kept going back, to play golf.”
In September 2020, Keaton’s parents decided to apply for his membership at the local golf range. This in hopes that someone would recognise his potential.
“A few months passed and he went to practice every weekend. He was so keen I would drop him off, leave him for two hours and just pick him up again.”
At the golf range Keaton met Charl Venter, who introduced him to the organiser of SA Kids Golf.
“This is a platform that gives kids the opportunity to play with others their age,” added Filander.
The golfing bug bit, and in 2021 Filander took three first places, two second places and one third in various SA Kids Golf tournaments. Last year, Keaton made it to the Western Province u-13 B Division and earlier this year was promoted to the WP u-13 A Division.
“At the end of 2022 Keaton’s golf improved so much he could start the new year in the WP u-13 A division. As a newbie he did very well, and his hard work finally paid off. He became more consistent with his game and the results showed.”
On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March, he participated in the club championships at his home club, Strand Golf Club. “This was a first and we merely entered him for the experience. He ended up winning his division for best Gross. At the age of 12 years this was a highlight for him.”
Keaton who is under the mentorship of the Helderberg Golf Academy is determined to become a professional golfer one day. The talented young golfer also works as a coach at Golfing Tods, where he focuses his skills on helping other young golfers of tomorrow.
Patricia mentions golf is extremely expensive, what with a growing Keaton constantly needing new clothes and equipment. “We need sponsorship for the WP Triangular at the Robertson Golf Course; if there is anyone or businesses willing to contribute to Keaton’s dream they must please contact me on 084 839 1206.”
