T-OFF (ISSUE15) OCT - DEC 2019 | Page 26

PROFILE at Nyali Golf Club. I am glad that well-wishers came forth and paid for these kids the requisite Junior Golf Foundation fees for club access and even bought them playing kit,” said Mrs Wahome. If the success recorded in the last one year is a pointer to things to come, Mrs Wahome’s juniors will soon be a force to reckon with in the amateur circles. Four players out of the cohort comprising of 10 boys and eight girls, have already been handicapped and have started playing in Nyali Club events. Back to the family; what does Mrs Wahome consider ultimate success? Being the proud mother of the newest golf professional in the country is a badge of honour that all mothers would love to wear. But having achieved this feat this year, Mrs Wahome still wants more! “As a family we have decided to invest in 26 Mathew as much as he wants to play. We are eager to see him go up to the highest level. We are happy that he has already attained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Cape Town, but we are impressing upon him take up golf as a serious job. Who knows, he may soon end up playing on the European and PGA Tours,” Mrs Wahome advises. Although it’s been all smooth sailing for the Wahomes, they have also endured some nervy moments in their pursuit for glory on the course. Mrs Wahome recalls her most painful moment in 2016 when Mathew narrowly missed the cut at the Kenya Open. “I was very nervous as he was on the verge of making history. At 16 years old, he was the youngest player yet standing out in this field of established professionals. It was a very low moment for the entire family. But we managed to pick on the positives and Mathew went on to become a better player,” she reminisces. At 13 years old, young Andrew is for sure following in the footsteps of Mathew. He is currently playing off handicap five and was the youngest player during the Tannahill 2019 tournament representing Team Mombasa. Mrs Wahome is convinced that there’s abundant talent out there waiting to be unearthed. She advises parents: “This game can open doors therefore it’s worth investing your time and resources. It is a long process and it requires a lot of patience. Children always watch what you do, if you have fun together everything will work out perfectly.”