Craig Jacobs (20) from Monte Vista was disappointed when he was not selected last month to participate in the Golf RSA International at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington. He was overjoyed when he was informed earlier this month that he made the confirmed list to participate, but he needs approximately R100 000 to make his professional card in six tournaments a reality.
“Initially I was not selected and I could not put my disappointment into words, especially being a member of the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB). The build-up to obtaining my Pro Card starts with the first tournament on Tuesday 31 January. The second one is the Cape Province Open in George from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 February, then the SA Stroke Play in Mossel Bay from Tuesday 11 until Thursday 13 February, the SA Amateur at Humewood Golf Course in Port Elizabeth from Sunday 16 until Friday 21 February, the Vusi Qualifying tournament from Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 April at the Observatory Golf Club and the final one for my Pro Card from Tuesday 8 April until Friday 11 April at the Soweto Country Club,” he says.
When his parents, Elias and Lyall, received the news of his inclusion they immediately opened a Back-a-Buddy account to help cover the costs until April. With his performances currently at SAGDB he was in high spirits and is determined to grab the opportunity with both hands to obtain his Pro Card.
Where it all started
Craig started playing golf at two years old and received his first official lesson when he was five years old.
“In 2012 I joined Paul Mackenzie Golf Academy and for eight years I learned and developed my game. I currently play at Atlantis Golf Club and have been part of the Elite Golf Acadamy, which has been instrumental in helping me with lessons and tournament preparations. In 2015 I joined the SA Golf Development Board and they opened doors to participate in tournaments as my parents could not afford to cover the costs of travelling, accommodation, food and transport for tournaments outside of Cape Town.
“The support of the SAGDB enabled me to compete in the Nedbank Pro-Am and the chance to go to Scotland. In 2021 I won the Cape Town Junior Open with rounds of 71 and 65.
As a member of the WP u-19 team we won the Interprovincial tournament at the Kimberly Golf Club and it was the first time since the introduction of the SA Mid-Amateur IPT in 2013 which WP has won six times.
“In 2021 and 2022 I also won the SACDB Player of the Year award. In 2023 I decided to turn professional but had a knee injury that needed surgery. I had lots of rehab and was finally ready toe compete again,” Jacobs says.
Next phase
While he was injured he had lots of time to reflect and prepare mentally for the next phase of his career, which is now.
“Thanks to the SAGDB who supported my decision to turn pro; it was the opportunity to thank my parents for their sacrifices through the years. I also want to make a name for myself in SA to give back to the SAGDB and my parents and show others what the SAGDB does for young golfers.
“You as a young sportsman should be grateful for people who support you when you start your journey in any sport. When I was younger I did not understand why my parents pushed me. In hindsight I realised they saw my potential and the pushing to be the best version of me was out of love.
“I appreciate everything my parents and the coaches invested in me, even when I thought it was tough. If there is a young sportsman who is in the same situation, they should understand that the tough love is them trying to help you to reach your potential, and that support is invaluable and cannot be measured with money,” Jacobs says.
His Back-a-Buddy account is https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-craig-turn-pro-golfer.
