Spreeth Eager To Give It A Go

 
Despite some patchy play of late, don’t be surprised if leg-amputee Riaan Spreeth enjoys a strong showing at the Cape Town Disabled Open hosted by the City of Cape Town.
 
A veteran of disabled golf, Spreeth epitomises what it means to be a SADGA member. People naturally gravitate toward the affable leg-amputee but what makes Spreeth an asset to the association is that he is also a fantastic competitor.
 
Spreeth – who was involved in a motorbike accident at the age of 29 – has represented Western Province and subsequently Team South on a number of occasions at the SADGA Provincial Challenge. 
 
The stressful nature of his work as a superintendent in the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police force, however, means that unwinding with friends and family is often preferred to time on the golf course. Given Riaan’s social nature, it is unsurprising that it’s the camaraderie at SADGA events which he enjoys most.
 
“SADGA events are great. You meet others in a similar boat to you but the best is to see how people get over adversity,” he says. 
 
“It’s as if disability is a way of life. We also show able-bodied people that we are also normal.”
 
When asked to assess the present state of his game, Spreeth certainly didn’t mince his words.
 
“I know my handicap shows 11.5, but I should really be about 16/17 due to the number of games I’ve played lately,” Spreeth quips. 
 
“I am struggling to put two good halves together. I either have a good start, or I come back with a bang, but never on the same day!”
 
As for his relationship with the tournament’s historic host venue? 
 
“King David Mowbray Golf Club is one of the courses that I am not comfortable playing.  Not sure why, but it just does not feel well.
 
“I think I did break 80 once on KDM, but it was a rare occasion. There are a few courses in Cape Town that I am not comfortable with and KDM is one. I like the layout and the challenge of the course, but I’m still not comfortable playing it.
 
Despite his inconsistent play and a tempestuous relationship with the golf course, Spreeth is looking forward to being out there competing.
 
“I am hoping my game comes together in the Open so I can at least say I gave it a go. I am hoping for at least a Top-10.”
 
Beware of the undercooked golfer…