5 minute read
Whatever happened to?... Roger Wessels
Next up in our series on South African golfing greats from the past is Roger Wessels. We chatted to Roger and asked him how it all began, to tell us more about his illustrious career and what he is up to these days.
“I was born in Port Elizabeth to parents who loved the outdoors and I remember many a day spent playing games in the parks or on the beach. My father was a keen sportsman and I was 5 years old when the golfing bug bit him and it wasn’t long after he started playing that I got my first club…a cut down 5 iron. That 5 iron and I spent many hours together and I slowly learned different skills which was just as well because there were a few broken windows during the learning phase.
“The family moved up to Krugersdorp when I was 10 years old where we were able to join the wonderful family orientated Krugersdorp Golf Club. The club had a rule for juniors that right from the outset stimulated my competitive side; if a junior could play to a handicap less than an 18 then they became eligible to play the competition on a Saturday afternoon. I was barely 11 when I hit this milestone and my love for the game grew playing with the adult members who taught me the rules, etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship and nurtured my competitive spirit.
The club had a rule for juniors that right from the outset stimulated my competitive side; if a junior could play to a handicap less than an 18 then they became eligible to play the competition on a Saturday afternoon
“I have wonderful memories from my formative years at that club; breaking 70 for the 1st time, representing the club in scratch league, winning the Club Champs with my brother and going on to represent the province in the various age groups.
“I participated in as many sports as I could when at school but always returned to golf. I loved everything about the game; the challenge of developing different skills, playing different courses, the individual component, the discipline and the competition.
“Golf on TV and Gary Player’s Masters win in 1978 instilled the idea that playing golf as a career could be a possibility. I still had my National Service to complete where I unfortunately played less than 10 rounds in two years but if anything, the absence from the game made me more determined to follow my dream.
Golf on TV and Gary Player’s Masters win in 1978 instilled the idea that playing golf as a career could be a possibility
“1983 saw the introduction of a Tour School on the Sunshine Tour where I finished 2nd to the late Wayne Westner. A struggle followed over the next few years because I was competing against tour hardened professionals but at the same time, I was learning my craft which resulted in a breakthrough in the 86/87 Sunshine Tour season. I managed to beat a few fine players and finished 16th on the Order of Merit.
“Heartache followed because I used my winnings to further my education about technique by seeing one of the leading coaches in the world which unfortunately didn’t work out and I missed the cut in all 14 tournaments on the 87/88 Sunshine Tour.
“Perseverance and my stubborn streak fortunately turned my game around and results once again slowly began to improve and then in the 90/91 season I had two wins. The Skeleton Coast Classic was the 1st where I beat Fulton Allem and John Bland amongst others, the 2nd was when I beat Mark James and Hugh Royer in a play-off to win the South African PGA Championships at The Wanderers. Fortunately, more wins followed with the Canadian Masters being a highlight in 94 which helped me finish 2nd on their Order of Merit that season.
“A proud moment was being selected to represent South Africa at the World Cup in Puerto Rico. I loved everything about being a tour player; the focus, determination, hard work, the destinations, experiencing different cultures and playing alongside some of the best players in the world.
A proud moment was being selected to represent South Africa at the World Cup in Puerto Rico
“I retired from tournament golf in 2004 and after completing my British PGA studies took over the Club Professional position at Killarney Country Club. I was thoroughly enjoying my job at the club when an opportunity to open the KeNako Golf Academy in George became available. Coaching was a part of the game that I was particularly interested in and I decided to take up the offer and have been involved in the wonderful world of coaching for the past 15 years.
“The KeNako Academy evolved and has become the Bramble Hill International School in George where I am the head coach. Coaching takes up most of my time but I still manage to play the occasional round at one of the many fantastic courses in the Southern Cape.
“I am fortunate that my passion for the game has continued throughout my life and I derive enormous enjoyment sharing knowledge through the avenue of coaching”.
