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Dedicated to being the best golfer

Henties Bay junior golf open winner Kyle Johnson is dedicated to reaching the level of greatness Rickie Fowler has attained.

Johnson recently won the Namibia Junior Golf Foundation Open that was held from 29 to 30 July. The relaxed athlete is a sucker for knowledge, especially when golf is in the mix. "I take my golf very seriously."

The 16-year-old started playing at the tender age of two, taking after his father. Growing up, he followed golf on national television, idolising the mighty Rickie Fowler.

Johnson won his first competition at nine. It was at that moment that he realised that golf was what he wanted to do for life. His father immediately took him in, being his coach to date. He joined the Namibia Junior Golf Foundation in 2016 as a development player and has since moved up the rankings. "I play golf every single day. I play at least nine holes every day on the course alongside my dad, who coaches me. I also do some practice at home after doing my homework. Between my dad, Poena Johnson, uncle Grant Mather, and his son, Jonathan Mather, I learn a lot of new techniques, and I try perfecting them against the net at home before taking it to the golf course."

Recent success with broken record

The recent Namibia Junior Golf Foundation Open he won in Henties Bay saw over 20 athletes take part. "Winning the Henties Bay Junior Open was one of the goals I set for myself. Achieving that goal felt good and I feel very proud of myself. I was very nervous when I had to tee off because I wanted to win and knew it would not be easy, but winning is not everything."

He secured 69, 62 and 62 scores, breaking the course record. He said that he sets out to the field with the sole purpose of making the most of every appearance and playing his best. With his numerous accomplishments, Johnson said that winning took a lot of practice and dedication.

Top spots

Johnson has won the Windhoek Junior Open in May 2022, the Swakop Junior Open in June 2022, the Walvis Bay Junior Open in August 2022, the Omeya Junior Open in October 2022, the Henties Bay NAGU Open in December 2022, the Walvis Bay Medal Open in January 2023, and the Windhoek Central NAGU – Namibia Amateur Golf Union Open in March 2023. "I plan on becoming a professional golf athlete someday, hopefully reaching the level of greatness Rickie Fowler has!," he said.

"Golf flows through my blood. When I open my eyes, I tell myself I want to be the best one day, so I practice very hard to achieve this. I believe practice makes perfect. Having a good exercise programme, enough sleep, and good eating habits are also needed. Getting much-needed support makes the journey special." He advises his fellow golfers to "be passionate about it and try to focus as hard as they can. The next shot might be the winning shot."

The way forward

He recently joined a group of golfers called the 1% Everyday Club, founded by Lukius Nande, one of the best senior golfers in the country. He is currently in need of sponsors to represent the country in an upcoming golf tournament in South Africa (SA), San Lamer, and Southbroom. It is set for 20 to 25 August and he will be competing against the best golfers from all over the world. "This competition was once also played and won by the likes of Tiger Woods and Dale Hayes," he said.

In October, he will be leaving for Pretoria for two months to meet up with Jonathan Mather for some coaching and play some competition for more exposure in and around Pretoria. "I thank God every day for the talent He has given me. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Him." Individuals who would be interested in sponsoring his SA trip can contact his father, Poena Johnson, at 081 622 1595 or email poena.johnson@gmail.com