Development players gear up for the big leagues
The historic CMR Golf Club hosted the latest round of the Big Easy Golf Tour from August 5 to 7.
The Big Easy Tour was founded in 2011 as a developmental leg of the iconic Sunshine Tour, South Africa's most prestigious golfing event.
The name alludes to legendary South African golf player Ernie Els.
According to club president Winston Smith, what makes this year's tour special is the fact that seven former development players, who had their start at CMR, are part of the tournament.
'We're very proud as a club for our continued focus on development,' he says.
'These players started as children at CMR, receiving training through our partnership with the South African Golf Development Board.
'They eventually became fully-fledged members of the club and are now playing at a professional level.'
He adds that CMR is the only golf club that offers free membership to its juniors.
'Our programme exposes the young players to the various local, provincial, and national leagues.'
'It is part of our initiative to encourage young talented players to join the sport, and it is bearing fruit. These young players who fought their way up the ranks are now vying for a place in the top tournament in the country.'
Out of the seven former CMR juniors that took part, three are playing in the amateur league, looking to move up in the rankings and turn professional, and four are playing on a professional level, trying to qualify for the Sunshine Tour.
'We look forward to seeing big things from these players in the future,' he concludes.
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