German academy gives Coast caddies reason to smile
Golf
By
Xinhua
| Aug 15, 2022
Kenya's Nyali Golf and Country Club caddies Hassan Kalamu Choyo, John Timbe, Dickson Barasa and William Odeck are set to reap big after securing support from International Sports.
A partnership between a German-based Sports coaching Agency "Lotus global" and non-profit organisation "Universal Lighthouse" has presented the four with a memorable deal.
High-sports performance and renowned mental coach, Bernard Payet and UEFA-A-licensed football coach Thomas Mooser picked the caddies while on a tour of Mombasa.
The caddies, who are currently single handicaps after going through the program, said they have benefited from the coaching programme.
"We have also been prepared mentally, grown in the game of golf as well as activated our dreams of turning pros," said Choyo.
They said their aim is to focus on improving their individual playing ability and aim for an international career on the European competitions, such as Challenger and European Tour.
Kalamu said their first step is to play more Kenya Golf Union (KGU) events to gather experience and use this as a springboard for future tournaments.
"It has always been our dream that one day, we will become an inspiration to many caddies not only in Kenya, but also in Africa," added Choyo.
The caddies last month dominated the leaderboard before winning the Inter Club Challenge during the 2022 Coast Open championship at Mombasa Golf Club course.
"We are indeed grateful to Payet and his partner Mooser and hope their continued support will move us to the higher levels in golf," said Timbe.
Payet is a high-sports performance, and renowned mental coach with more than a 40-year experience, while Mooser is a qualified Diploma sports-scientist.
Payet said that through the cooperation with Mooser, Lotus global offers its clients the ideal conditions to guide and accelerate a development process extremely effectively with the ultimate goal of constantly improving and sustaining the consistency of its athletes, especially golfers.
"I see the game of golf as the forerunner, the purest and above all, it is the most powerful mental game ever. I have coached from the lowest to the highest amateur golfers, preparing them for their Tour cards," said Payet.
He said a firm foundation strengthens self-confidence that helps a caddie focus on the sport.
The caddies are seeking to dominate the leaderboard once more during the forthcoming inaugural Vasco Da Gama 2022 Cup golf tournament at Malindi Golf Club, on August 27-28.
This event has attracted some of Kenya's top amateurs and will be the 23rd in the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) calendar of events among the 33 that give the golfers chance to qualify for next year's Magical Kenya Kenya Open.