Success Story: Canon SA National Deaf Junior Interschools

The continued growth of the Canon SA National Deaf Junior Interschools has been at the forefront of the First Swing Program’s success in recent times. 
 
The primary objective of the three-round Individual Stableford event is to identify the next generation of disabled golfing talent in South Africa. At the conclusion of the event, the top-finishers earn entry into the country’s flagship disabled golf event, the Canon SA Disabled Golf Open.
 
The event which is held in the last week of November each year features Deaf golfers from all across the country. 
 
Though the ongoing coronavirus pandemic meant that this year’s Interschools event had to be cancelled, it has given us an opportunity to reflect on a successful few years.
 
2019 was a memorable one for the De La Bat School from Worcester. Buhle Dlamini won the individual title by a whopping eight points while Mbeketeli Magagula notched 28 points. This propelled coach Daren Hanekom’s players to the Interschools title, beating Reubin Birin by six points.
 
There were also a record number of participants which was fantastic. In all, 28 golfers from six regions and eight schools participated.
 
SADGA Executive Director Craig Moorgas remarked that such growth would not be possible were it not for the invaluable contributions made by a number of different parties
 
“This fantastic event has become a true highlight on our calendar. It’s evolution into an ultra-competitive, high-quality tournament is in large part due to the contributions made by Canon South Africa, Nomads and their Furtherance of Golf initiative as well as the many other parties involved in staging this event,” commented Moorgas.
 
“Though it was disappointing to have to cancel this year’s edition, we’re already exploring ways of staging our best event yet in 2021.” 
 
The Canon SA National Deaf Junior Interschools has become a great identifier for up and coming golfing talent in South Africa. And who knows, it may even be the first step on the path to future Canon SA Disabled Golf Open glory.