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Beginners' section
Bonita Gorrie-Nuttall - Chronicle Of A Budding Golfer's Swing! All of which, I’m convinced may be nothing more than a mystical folklore at this stage. However, since my golfing journey began just over 3 months ago, I’m almost certain that there are magical pockets of luck that burst through the swings every now and again and literally mesmerise the player into coming back for more. In these past few months that magic has found me with a few lucky swings, leaving me open-mouthed, lump-inthroat and engulfed by a nation of endorphins, ‘Singing Hallelujah’ Dr. Alban style! Can you hear it? Ok….so maybe I’m getting a little over-excited, but truly, the hours of practice, the buckets of balls that tinkle off to the side and bite the dust, pave the way for such feeling of achievement and elation when some of those little white puckered balls zip through the air and fly far, far away. At least past the 50m mark! None of which would be possible without my fabulous coach Leigh-Jane Middleton who has a degree of patience Yoda himself couldn’t top. From gripping, to swinging, chipping and putting…she’s been tasked with transforming me into a real, live golfer. God bless her. Arriving for my first lesson at the Byranston Country Club, I felt excited and yet slightly intimidated. All Country Clubs have that effect on me though. I think it’s all the etiquette around dress code, bikinis and swearing on the course. Quite particular they are. But one of the reasons golf is so great in Jozi is that we get to be surrounded by nature in all her beauty, especially as our spectacular summer thunder storms set in. Not necessarily occurring at the same time of course! My weekly lessons require deep breaths and a pinch of ego-less salt. Missing, gripping, swinging and laughing – mostly ‘with’ me. Our lessons are focused, yet fun. Leigh-Jane has a way of making an exceptionally technical sport simple and accessible; where to place my weight, closer or further from the ball, keep my left arm straight and open, eye on the ball and connect! But it seems I’ve developed an Elvis habit of sorts. Sometimes I find myself on my toes as I swing and hips forward as I follow through, as if I were imitating the King himself! Maybe that’s how he would’ve played golf? Some days are better than others, but the key I’m learning – is in the practice! So it’s off to the driving range! 7 Iron in hand; I find my spot and stake my claim to my patch of holey grass. Super Bionic Glove - tick, sexy golf shoes – tick, Adams golf hat, golf shorts and shirt – tick. Thanks to The Pro Shop in Woodmead, I look the part, but now can I remember all that my coach has taught me! First few balls say – it’s hopeless, pack it up before anyone notices and run! But then the guy next to me swings and scuttles the ball off into the fence to the right of me and I find myself grinning with a cheeky hope! Alrighty then, one more time, watch this space because I’m here to stay! Focus, swing, follow through - and there my ball scuttles off after his… Nuts. Another dash of ego-less salt followed by gentle giggle. ‘Tis par for the course, I hear. It’s only the ratio that changes over time. Less scuttle, more fly! And it was the few singing balls that hit the magical sweet spot, which inspired me to say – it’s time to go get those clubs baby! Off to The Pro Shop, Woodmead! Wearing my fabulous high heel shoes and a pretty low cut top, Shelley just looks at me and giggles – I assume you brought your golf kit? Moments later I’m standing in stockings holding various clubs on their tee zone, leaning over the ball and incidentally showing more cleavage than skill, feeling girlishly shy. Now I get the reason for a golf shirt! Swinging with a few different brands Shelley sparks the brilliant idea of a complete Adams set. I think, ‘That’s great, I’ve got the hat to match!’ Our expert advisor disappears to bring back this gold and white, sparkling set of the most amazing clubs! My bling! I’m like a kid in a candy store! Mine? All mine? Really? And the clubs get socks too…? Such a HOT bag with secret compartments for my keys, cell phone, lip gloss and balls! I could almost fit my caddy in there! But then again, not so useful. Walking onto the driving range, my coach’s eyes light up as she sees my BLING. Now it’s time to play! No matter how challenging, how many balls I miss or scuttle, with a stylish golf kit, amazing clubs and an excellent coach, I realize that Santa’s come early this year; which can only mean one thing… Somewhere out there, there’s a birdie or an eagle with my name on it and perhaps ‘folklore’ could become ‘chronicle’ of a budding golfer and her bling. A really heartfelt thank you to The Pro Shop for all my stunning golfing paraphernalia! Thank you also to Leigh- Jane and the Bryanston Country Club for teaching me this great game in such a beautiful environment. And of course, thank you to Shelley Galliver for making this all possible! Follow Bonita’s journey on her blog at http://bonita-g.blogspot.com or just add Bonita Gorrie-Nuttall as a friend on facebook.
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