ZGA runs first ever level1 coaching training

THE Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA), with support from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrew’s (R&A) – which is the world governing body of golf outside the Americas – and the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) South Africa, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee and the International Golf Federation by way of a grant rolled out the country’s first ever PGA Level One Coaching Course, which took place in Harare.

It was the first time that Zimbabwe hosted a coaching course of its nature.

A total of 18 coaches attended the course with four of the participants being women.

The course was conducted by certified PGA professional of South Africa and educator, Dingaan Kelvin Chirwa with attending coaches drawn from all the provinces across Zimbabwe.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, instructor, Chirwa said he is grateful to be overseeing the coaches’ training and believes that it’s a step in the right direction in the continued growth and development of golf in Zimbabwe. He said despite having coaches, it is crucial to have certified coaches who will be able to teach basics from grassroots going forward.

“Zimbabwe, just like any other African country, has coaches who have not undergone official lessons. This initiative is beneficial for Zimbabwe golf and I am proud to have taken this course.

“The coaches will benefit from quality knowledge. Golf is more than having played, you need major basics and knowledge and that is the difference between playing good golf and a good coach. To be a good coach, you need formal golf lessons and fortunately, most of the participants played high level golf but had not gotten formal learning.

“This will have a positive impact on Zimbabwe. It’s a project that will grow golf, not only in Zimbabwe but Africa. Zimbabwe is the biggest golfing country in Africa outside South Africa, it is the most successful and I am proud to have come here and assist the coaches,” said Chirwa.

He added that the Level One Coaching Course is the foundation, which teaches focus on grassroots building into long term athlete development. He believes that starting with the coaching now, the result will show in the next years to come.

With four women also taking part in the coaching course, Chirwa said that it’s a crucial step to addressing some challenges that may occur.

“Golf is for everyone, it is an inclusive sport. Therefore, to have women taking part in this course is crucial. There are issues of sexual abuse and not everyone is comfortable with leaving their daughters, so having qualified female coaches sorts out that problem,” he said.

ZGA president, Martin Chikwana expressed gratitude to the R&A and the PGA of South Africa for their continued support.

He said it is a step in the right direction for development as every province in the country will now have a certified coach.

“This is a deliberate effort to develop golf in the country. We have had coaches who, however, never had formal training. As ZGA, we are grateful to have this Level One coaching course. Thank you to the R&A and PGA-SA for becoming willing partners in developing our golf and sport. — @brandon_malvin.