It was a difficult few years for the golf coach, but his perseverance carried him through.
“Wow, what a journey,” Bertie Hoffman of the Hermanus Pro Shop said. “How time has passed. What a privilege. Some things that have passed cannot be explained. The Covid-19 pandemic, no sport – indoors or outdoors. Golf not allowed and hard lockdown very real.”
An opportunity came for him, a chance to start afresh in a new town, on a new golf course and embrace a new way of life.
“I am a local boy who grew up in Somerset West and turned pro in 2019,” he said. “The Pro Shop has given me the opportunity to work at Hermanus Golf Club, and we started to host free junior clinics every Saturday for juniors aged 8-16 years.”
According to Hoffman the first clinic began on 12 September 2020. “We humbly started with two juniors learning and discovering the game. Finding a special something in a time of disarray. How to learn a game that can teach you so much from a young age.”
They grew in numbers, and the commitment of the juniors to attending each Saturday’s clinic was truly something to be grateful about.
Said Hoffman: “As we persisted through Covid-19, as we had our challenges, we grew stronger as golfer and young students of golf, being prepared for the uncertain next step.”
As the weeks went by they encouraged the juniors on their progress and development. They reached a consistent number of 15 juniors each Saturday. “Being privileged to see the juniors grow was truly special. Hawston Primary joined us on Saturdays, and its input and commitment were immense, going far beyond wanting to learn a sport.”
A milestone has now been reached – the 100th clinic, a confirmation of going from strength to strength.
“One of the reasons I enjoy the clinic,” Hoffman said, “is that I get to teach something I love and make a difference in lives by teaching values and sportsmanship. Core values will always stand out and serve you your whole life.”
For more information, phone 082 560 2159.
