A young golf player from Kariega, Johndré Ludick, is blessed with a good repetitive swing, a strong short game, and a wonderful temperament. And he is the first player from the Eastern Province division of the South African Golf Development Board to be selected for the Golf RSA team.
According to GolfRSA, Johndré and compatriots Fabrizio de Abreu, Marno Lange, and reigning Nomads SA Boys U/17 champion Janko van der Merwe have received a tremendous opportunity to gain international experience in the upcoming Reply Italian International Under/16 golf championship. They will join a world-class field in the 15th appearance at the Biella Golf Club Le Betulle from 31 August to 2 September. The South African quartet will be hunting a fourth title for South Africa.
“Over the years, the Italian event has become a highly regarded junior championship on the international calendar, attracting top juniors from a multitude of countries. This year is no different, with more than 120 entries from 16 countries,” said Grant Hepburn, GolfRSA CEO.
Van der Merwe is ranked third on the GolfRSA National U/17 standings, De Abreu fourth, Lange fifth and Ludick rocketed to eighth, courtesy of four top-10 finishes.
Frans De Kock, manager of the Eastern Province division of the South African Golf Development Board told the UD Express, “Johndré’s journey starts now where guidance, support and the necessary exposure will become crucial for his golf career. I would like to see that the achievements of Johndré will motivate other players to work hard and conquer all obstacles to bring out the best in all their abilities.”
According to De Kock, there currently are 129 young school-going golf players under the age of 19 years in the program. They are from Kuyga, Varsvlei, Zwide, Motherwell and Kariega.
“As SAGDB, we would like to thank EP Golf Union and all golf clubs under EPGU for supporting the development program in our region. Our development coaches with whom I work, should also be credited when a player like Johndré comes along in one of the most difficult sports in today’s world.”
Johndré and his GolfRSA compatriots and managers will depart for Italy on Saturday.
