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GEORGE GOLF NEWS & VIDEO- He's undoubtedly one of golf's shining stars and valued by his peers as one of the best ball-strikers, one that rarely buckles under the pressure and known for his ability to go after impossible shots and pull them off.
Like 14-time Major champion Tiger Woods.
That's why former Outeniqua High learner Branden Grace is a nine-time European Tour winner and the current reigning South African Open champion.
His meteoric rise on the international golf circuit since 2012 is the culmination of natural talent combined with hours and hours of hard practice, dedication and sacrifice.
To survive on the global stage you need to be tough as nails, both physically and mentally.
Now, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing havoc worldwide, Grace has thrown a lifeline to caddies on his home turf in the Southern Cape where he honed his skills, to help them face the many challenges the outbreak of the coronavirus presents.
Like the shot he played on the 14th hole of the South Course at Firestone Country Club in 2012, stunning his playing partner Tiger Woods into calling it one of the best shots he's ever seen, Grace's generous gesture can only be described as "awesome".
Through his charity, The Branden Grace Charitable Foundation and Golf in School initiative, with contributions from De Dekke Spar and Knysna's Super Spar, each of the 197 caddies received a R1 000-grocery voucher from Spar.
The vouchers were presented to the caddies last Friday.
Grace wrote on social media: "As a touring professional, I appreciate the important role caddies play in my success on the course. Growing up and practising on courses like Fancourt, George Golf Club and Knysna Golf Club, my family and I felt a need to assist the 197 permanent caddies of these clubs who reside in the George and Knysna area, as they face the realisation of no income during this pandemic."
Fancourt caddy master, Joe Mathikge, told George Herald this wonderful gesture comes at an opportune time for all of them, because all golfing activity in the Southern Cape has come to a complete standstill.
Reigning South African Open champion Branden Grace has thrown a lifeline to golf caddies from the region. Through his charity 197 caddies from the Garden Route each received grocery vouchers from Spar. Here Joe Mathikge (left), caddy master at Fancourt, and Johan Syfers, a Fancourt caddy, are with Albe de Swart, owner of the Spar in Pacaltsdorp, who presented the caddies with their vouchers.
Photo: Salette Cloete
"No golf means no income for most of us. The gift vouchers came as a complete surprise and we would like to thank Branden from the bottom of our hearts. This will help a lot during the lockdown period. He's a true champion."
Grace, who is currently staying at this home in Florida in the USA, has called on anybody who are able, to come to the assistance of the needy in their local community.
He thanked all essential workers, medical staff, the police and the SA National Defence Force for "being on the front line and putting themselves at risk to protect, supply and serve South Africa."
He also called on South Africans to stay at home and be safe.
Through his manager, Meyer du Toit, Grace said running after his two-year-old son, Roger, all day, is keeping him in "great shape". And to stay on top of his game he uses a practice net in his house for putting and one outside for hitting a few balls, Roger permitting.
Awesome man, our Branden. A saving grace in these troubled times.
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