Although it was an open golf day, the predominantly khaki-clad young menfolk outnumbered the women, just as their khaki-clad forebears did before them at the 18-hole course with magnificent views of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain.
Sport Development Officer, Quinton Summers, said there was a significant focus in this event to help drive a more inclusive culture in sport. Summers agreed with the only female student who participated in the event, Nicolette Bester that the growth potential for golf at CPUT lies in enticing more students into the sport, especially women.
“It was a good event, I loved it,” said Nicolette. ”It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the sport and form a bond with the staff members.”
She added that she would like to see more women playing in golf since she was the only female student who took part in the event alongside some female staff members. “It is no longer a men’s sport anymore; more female students must come and play golf.”
Summers said the institution was in a drive to revitalise the sport and their vision was to send a team to next year’s University Sports South Africa and Western Cape Intervarsity golf tournaments. “It’s the first in four years, but it is a perfect weather for the game of golf, all those who are interested in playing golf must contact us so that we can see where we can help. We want to bring golf back into the spotlight. We would like to see more women joining as the event was dominated by male students today.”
The event organiser and Sport Management lecturer Juanita Stoop, also added her weight on this and said: “The golf Industry also wants to increase female golf participation. Women account for just 24% of golfers worldwide according to the PGA statistics. “A great way to introduce women to golf is to offer golf lessons, making that initial step much easier to take.” Stoop added that golf lessons can be quite expensive though.
She said a person will enjoy playing much more if they've learned the basics.
