Marco Steyn celebrates victory in Tunisia

by Wilhelm de Swardt 31 March 2016, 14:27

Being South Africa’s top senior amateur golf player is not always only about sinking the crucial puts

Over the weekend the 18-year-old Marco Steyn was part of the junior squad who celebrated an 18th consecutive victory for South Africa in the 2016 All-Africa Junior Golf Challenge in Tunisia.

Barely 48 hours later, back in South Africa, Steyn was trying to understand the intricacies of maths. It was seven o’clock in the evening but for him it is not uncommon to study at odd hours. When he is not playing golf, he usually attends extra maths and science classes during weekends. According to the Grade 12 learner from TuksSport High School he always takes his textbooks with him when he plays a tournament. Having completed his round he takes time out to study.

“Playing good golf and getting good marks in my matric exams are equally important,” said Steyn.

The fact that Steyn is currently South Africa’s top amateur golf player should be no surprise. During a meeting with the coaches of the Tuks Golf Academy last year he set himself two goals. One was to become No 1 in South Africa and the second was to qualify for the South African team to play at the World Championships in Mexico in August. He has already achieved the first of his goals.

Steyn ascribes his rise to the top to the fact that he consistently plays good golf. So far this year he won the Free State Open; lost in the semifinals of the SA Amateur Match Play; was 3rd in the Northern Amateur Stroke Play; 3rd in the Northern Amateur Match Play and tied 4th in the Cape Province Open.

He also won the Leopard Creek Trophy, which is the only local under-19 tournament he has played so far.

Steyn does not hesitate to credit the coaches of Tuks Golf Academy for his success.

“My mom met up with Llewellyn van Leeuwen, the Academy’s head coach, and introduced me to him when I was just five years old. In Grade 9, when I went to the TuksSport High School, I was playing from a three handicap. Because of the advice I received from the Academy’s coaches, it did not take me long to improve on that.

“One of the most important lessons I have learned from Theo Bezuidenhout, sports psychologist, is not to get angry when you play a bad shot. Over 18 holes it is bound to happen at some stage. When it does happen, don’t let it get to you because that is when you totally lose control of your game. I can honestly say I would not have been able to play the golf I am currently playing if it was not for the Tuks Golf Academy.”

Steyn considers the Australian golfer, Justin Day, as a role model.

“What impresses me about Day is that, in spite of being the underdog at many tournaments, he never gives up. In fact, he seems to relish a true challenge. This never-say-die attitude of his has led to him winning two tournaments in a row and becoming the top golfer in the world. It is something I admire.”

If everything goes according to plan, Steyn hopes to study in the USA next year and play Colleges golf.

“I am fully aware that it will not be easy at first, but I do think that going to the USA will offer me the opportunity to play against better players on a regular basis and I see it as a challenge to improve my game. I will still be coached by the Tuks Golf Academy.”

James du Preez (3rd) and Dylan Naidoo (4th) are the other two Academy golfers who are currently ranked in the top five.