Clad in pressed trousers and short-sleeved collar T-shirts tucked in, wearing TaylorMade hats and Nike shoes, when three caddies hailing from poor families swung their clubs, it was history in the making at the Trivandrum Tennis Club.
The caddies - Albert V.V., Ajish Ashok and Justin J. - have entered the annals of the city’s golfing history by participating in the South Zone Junior Open Golf Championship, the prestigious tournament for junior golfers in the country, which was held for the first time in the city.
In the A category (age 15-17) of the event, Albert came fourth, Ajish won the seventh place and Justin finished tenth. More importantly, being impressed by the performance of Albert, a Spanish tourist who was present at the closing ceremony of the event presented him with a gift - 100 US Dollars.
``This is a big achievement for them and the Trivandrum Golf Club. They are playing a tournament for the first time, while most of the other players who took part in the event have been playing golf since they were four or five years old. Playing against such professionals, they have produced commendable results,’’ said John Thomas, captain of Trivandrum Golf Club.
The excited teenaged golfers are giving all praise and credit to the Golf Club and members who have equipped them to take part in such a prestigious event. ``It is because of them that we were able to participate in the event. They have given us all that was needed, the club sets, dress and even the expensive TaylorMade hat,’’ said Albert, who hails from Kumarapuram and is a plus-one student at the Government Model Higher Secondary School in the city.
Two years ago, they never dreamt of playing golf. In fact, they were totally ignorant about this sport. Thanks to the economically weak family background, the teenagers were forced to join the Trivandrum Golf Club as caddies to continue their studies. ``When I joined, I used to get Rs 25 for a day. Now, I am getting Rs 50,’’ said Ajish, hailing from Pippinmoodu and a I BA student at the Co-operative College here.
Grabbing the opportunity, they seriously learned the basics of the game and never wasted any chance they got for stroking the ball. ``Every Sunday, we were allowed to play once the members had finished their game. Members would give us the club sets and the ball,’’ Albert said.
To nourish their talent and improve their performances, they should keep playing, making use of the facilities at the club, John Thomas said.
“Now, they have got a certificate from the Indian Golf Union. If they produce good results, it would be easy for them to find sponsors,’’ he said.
The Club is also planning to support them for participating in a five-day coaching camp at Coimbatore.
For the kids who like Tiger Woods a lot, the inspirational feat of the caddie Chikkarangappa, the best junior golfer in the country, was the real motivation. ``We often think that, if he can do this much, then why can’t we,’’ asks Justin of Kudappanakunnu.
And what about the dollars? ``I have not changed that yet. I am getting this for the first time. Let it remain in my house for some more days,’’ said a proud Albert.
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