Mokgatle’s ascent: A young golfer embodying the sport’s elegance
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday June 22, 2026 06:00
It is a sport of etiquette, patience, and numbers, where the handicap system allows amateurs and professionals alike to compete on equal terms. In a world of tradition and precision steps, Thomo Mokgatle is the rising prodigy whose game is turning heads at the club and national level.
Born 17 years ago in Ramotswa, Mokgatle started playing golf in 2021, quickly showing promise and dedication to the sport. In 2022, he moved to South Africa to join the prestigious Balderstone Sports Institute, where he honed his skills and developed into a competitive player.
Mokgatle has a handicap of +0.1, and in Botswana, he is ranked in the top three in the amateur category and the number one junior player.
“At 14 years, I earned a place in the junior team, and I represented my country at the All Africa Junior Team Challenge in Uganda in 2023. My performance marked the beginning of my international career, and from that point onwards, I consistently represented Botswana in tournaments across the continent, despite my youth,” Mokgatle told MmegiSport this week.
“My talent and leadership stood out. I was selected for the senior team whilst still a junior, to compete in the All Africa Championship in 2024 in Zimbabwe.” Building on that reputation, Mokgatle received an invitation to compete in the Mac Champ Invitational in Houston, Texas, in 2024. According to the young golfer, the opportunity opened doors for him to qualify for major international junior events, including the IMG Junior World Championship (USA) and the FCG Callaway World Championship (USA). Mokgatle explained that what motivates him to keep going is the never-ending process of learning and improving. The youngster said golf is an expensive sport, and he is fortunate to have people who are willing to sacrifice for his journey. “Golf is improving in Botswana, and it is great to see a lot of juniors starting the journey. My dream is to be the best golfer that I can be. “My role model is my father (Tshekiso) because of all the sacrifices he has made for me and my family,” he said. In 2023, aged 15, Mokgatle achieved another milestone by qualifying to represent Botswana on the world stage at the World Junior Championship in Kilmarnock, Scotland.
Mokgatle stated the accomplishment placed him among the best junior golfers globally and further solidified his reputation as one of Botswana’s brightest golfing talents.
“I made history as the first junior from Botswana to earn a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) in November 2025, debuting at rank 4989. By March 2026, I had moved 664 spots, a testament to my rapid progress and consistency against strong international competition. “I made it into the rankings by winning the Under 19 division at the Festive Junior Championship and competing in elite events such as the 2026 Nomads Inland No.1 in South Africa, the South African Amateur Championship, the GolfRSA International Amateur Championship (representing Botswana), and the Gauteng North Open Championship,” Mokgatle said.
The 17-year-old secured first place in the Botswana junior national team trials and second place finish in the Botswana amateur senior national team trials.
Mokgatle said his biggest achievement to date came when he received an invitational to a professional tournament, the Mopani Zambia Open, which is part of the Sunshine Tour, where he competed as an amateur.
His mother, Malebogo, told MmegiSport that Thomo’s golf career is one of immense pride and gratitude. She said golf is not an easy path as it demands discipline, consistency and a lot of sacrifice. “Watching him grow in the sport has been inspiring, because it is not just about the trophies or rankings, but about the character he is building along the way. Of course, having a child in golf comes with challenges,” she said.
“It is a sport that requires significant investment, from equipment and coaching to travel and tournament participation. Beyond the financial side, there is also the emotional commitment, being there to encourage him when results do not go his way, and reminding him that setbacks are part of the journey.” Malebogo highlighted that balancing school, family, and training schedules can be tough, but it teaches resilience and time management. She said at the same time, it is deeply rewarding.
“Golf has given my son opportunities to represent his country, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and persevere. As a parent, seeing him embrace those lessons makes every sacrifice worthwhile. “Ultimately, it is not just about raising a golfer, it is about raising a grounded young man who knows the value of hard work and faith. He is very special both golf ethics and academics. He is just something else. He is 17 and doing A levels, already universities are offering him scholarships to be in their teams,” said the proud mother.
Achievements: National level competitions: 20242026: Jwaneng Open-Under 19 (winner), 2024: Botswana Amateur Open- Under 19 (winner), 2024: Botswana Closed-Under 19 (winner), 2025: Orapa Diamond Challenge (WAGR) (second position) Regional competitions: August 2023: Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open (WAGR) (position 38), 2024: Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open (WAGR) (position 33), 2025: Nedbank Junior Challenge (WAGR) (position 102).
FACT FILE Full names: Thomo Mokgatle Date of birth: May 17, 2009 Place of birth: Ramotswa Profession: Golfer Coach: Piet De Viet School: Balderstone Sports Institute Highest Academic Qualification: Currently doing AS IGCSE. Finished Matric with a Pass (IGCSE) Hobbies: Outdoor activities Height: 185cm Shoe size: 10 UK Meal: Mash and steak