Will we be watching these young golfers on our big screens in the near future?
Twenty-three rising players are being nurtured by the East London Golf Club.
While a row over rent and control fester, Go! checked in to see what the iconic club was up to.
The sponsored players are young ambassadors, opening doors for communities who might never have stepped onto the greens, we were told.
Beyond its championship fairways, the club has become a hub of opportunity, growth, and inspiration, ranking in the top 10 of SA’s courses.
With that came deep responsibility to the community it served, said the club’s general manager AJ Steyn.
He said the club was in full support of the SA Golf Development Board which was sponsoring the 23 young players who were integral to its junior ambassador programme.
“We host numerous corporate days on Fridays, helping charities by offering them favourable rates. At the end of the year, we dedicate our social responsibility fund to a charity of choice, selected carefully to ensure impact.
“The city can be proud. It is a feather in their cap that East London Golf Club is ranked in South Africa’s top 10. But keeping it that way isn’t easy.
“It costs over R8m a year to maintain the course. It’s a constant balance between financial pressures and our desire to serve the community.”
But trouble had arisen.
“Fifty years ago everything was good, but now our lease is up. Negotiating favourable terms has been difficult, with high costs threatening our ability to continue serving the community.
“Still, we have big plans ahead, upgrading facilities, improving the driving range, adding padel courts and more. We want to remain a sporting hub for East London.”
For professional golfer Michaela Fletcher, who first started playing at the age of about 12, the club laid the foundation of her journey.
“It’s a championship golf course with amazing facilities. It gave me the chance to learn and hone my craft on a challenging layout with great competition,”she said, adding her proudest moment was winning her first professional title at Sun City’s SuperSport Challenge.
Fletcher acknowledged problems female golfers faced: “We’re often seen as second to the men, which means less growth and investment.
“Overcoming it comes down to showing up, putting in the hard work, and proving women are equally capable.”
Now on a comeback after a career-threatening shoulder injury, her goals have shifted.
“I take it one season at a time. My focus is longevity, health, and gratitude for every opportunity to play. I also love giving back to juniors, whether through practice rounds, mentoring, or just sharing my journey.”
Michelle de Vries, a seasoned golf coach, has been rooted in East London since 1997. She entered coaching after playing on the European Tour, where she trained through the WPGA/PGA programme during her off weeks.
“When I first arrived here, there were very few young players. That has changed, especially since Covid-19, when golf became one of the few sports allowed,” said De Vries, adding that there had been many success stories.
“Thanks to Brendan Fourie, East London Golf Club started embracing young players even more.
“The club now supports our development programme, offering memberships for 12 juniors and providing practice balls for teaching.”
