GEORGE NEWS - There is an age-old adage about apples that don’t fall far from the tree and in the case of the South African Golf Develop-ment Board’s Chandré and Keenon Roberts and Winston Booysen this old saying certainly proves to be true.

"There’s no doubt that all three are all real chips off the blocks," said SAGDB regional manager Johan Erasmus.
"Joseph Booysen and Sakkie Roberts are top coaches in our programme in the Southern Cape. They have achieved a lot of success over the years, so it’s little wonder that their own children and grandchildren are doing so well."
The three youngsters, who are emerging as top amateur golfers, certainly give Sakkie and Joseph something to smile about.

Chandré Roberts underlined her growing potential when she won the 10-18 handicap division in her debut at the Women’s Golf Rose Bowl during May.
She beat Gauteng’s Eleonora Galletti, Mieke de Ridder from Eastern Cape and Michelle Wears-Taylor of Gauteng North by five shots for the title at Kloof Country Club. She also qualified for the Southern Cape u/16 girls’ team and was placed 25th in the B-Division of the Nomads SA Girls’ Championship at Orkney Golf Club.
"I only joined the SAGDB’s development programme when my dad joined as a coach in 2007," she explained. "I learned the ropes from my dad and I absolutely love it. I want to study medicine but I would also love to play professional golf."
Dad Sakkie refuses to put any pressure on his daughter.

"Like so many of my students, my daughter has taken to golf like a fish to water and she blossoms out there on the course," he said.
"Her mom and I feel it is important that Chandré finishes school and tries to get into the medical profession, but if she comes to us in two years’ time and says she wants to turn pro, we won’t stand in her way."

Dreams of turning pro
Keenon Roberts, on the other hand, already dreams of turning pro.
The 10-year-old knows he has a long way to go before even playing in his first pro event, but having qualified for the SAGDB’s regional squad is a good start.
"I began playing golf three years ago and I’m a 32 handicap now," said Keenon.
Grandpa Sakkie would rather focus on the next goal.
"Before we start talking about turning pro, I’d like to see Keenon make the u/12 junior squad."

‘My dad taught me’
Winston Booysen credits dad Joseph with his selection to the SAGDB’s regional squad.
"My dad taught me everything I know," said the 11-handicapper. "He has been my coach since I joined the SAGDB in 2005. My dad knows my swing and can spot straightaway if something is out."
Unlike Keenon, the 18-year-old George High learner doesn’t have professional golf aspirations.
"I would like to follow in my father’s footsteps and coach golf. I’ve witnessed how effective the SAGDB programme can be. I would like to make the same kind of changes to the lives of underprivileged children."
Although he is flattered by Winston’s admiration, Joseph admitted that he would like to see his son complete his studies before deciding his career.

"He plans to study sports management and during his course he might find another avenue that he wants to pursue," said Joseph.
"But if he still wants to coach golf, I would be extremely proud."
Joseph has run the SAGDB coaching programme in George for the last five years and teaches five days a week at George Golf Club and Fancourt.

Likewise, Sakkie looks after 32 learners in the Heidelberg area, six of whom have reached level two in the SAGDB’s programme.