Golfer Masole to turn professional
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday November 13, 2015 14:50
The Gaborone Golf Club member told Mmegi Sport he has decided to turn professional from June next year after advice from his coach, Mpho Kelosiwang. The rate at which his game has progressed also influenced his decision.
Local company, Master Joinery has come on board as Masole’s sponsor while Motor Holdings have assisted him with a vehicle. Masole said he has gained a lot of experience from his national team duties and it was during those games that he realised the gap between him and other professional golfers was huge.
“I should apply for Botswana Professional Golfers Union membership and also enroll for training at professional golfers college in South Africa. My sponsors will be assisting me with payment for training,” said Masole.
The soft-spoken golfer said even after turning professional, he would still play in local tournaments but only those that are played on greens. He said that means he will have to take part in international tours outside the country.
“Working with Kelosiwang changed the way I saw things and my thinking during play. I was a beginner because he even changed my swing,” said Masole.
For his part, Kelosiwang said his role is to guide the player and he does not want to be seen taking the credit when he is doing well. He said it was the player’s decision to turn professional in order to take his game further.
He said Masole has shown dedication to golf and is always willing to learn. Kelosiwang said Masole was on the verge of quitting the sport when he started working with him in 2011.
“He was desperate to turn around his game,” he added.
“In golf, you either play for fun or professionally.
We are always open to assist anyone who intends to turn around his or her game. Masole is at a stage where he can plan for himself and prepare on his own unlike when he was an amateur,” said Kelosiwang.
He said Botswana is given five cards to participate in the Sunshine Tour annually and at the moment only two have been taken up. Kelosiwang said when Masole turns professional it means he would utilise the other slot.
He added the aim is for all cards to be used. He said BGU’s plan is to have many Batswana playing in the PGA Tour in the next five years.
Kelosiwang, however, said Masole should not prioritise winning, but should rather focus on improving as a player. He said winning is a consequence of hard work.