Meet the Tiger Woods vannie Grassy Park.
This amateur golfer is well on his way to realising his dream of studying abroad and playing pro golf just like his hero Woods.
All he has to do is raise a few thousand rand and Mujahid Agherdien, 20, is on his way to America.
The young man, who taught himself how to swing clubs, boasts a handicap of naught, and has won several amateur tournaments since he was a pikkie.
Just so you know, Woods’ average handicap is minus four.
Mujahid, who is affiliated to the SA Golf Development Board, says he has only trained with a pro coach once because “it is too expensive”.
He was recently signed to Athletes USA, an organisation that connects student sportspeople with over 20 000 college coaches in America, and also helps them secure a scholarship.
Although Mujahid found out he was accepted in March, it wasn’t until last week that he surprised his parents with the good news.
“I didn’t want to tell them because I was disappointed before,” he explains.
“I matriculated in 2013 and started working at Rondebosch Golf club 2014.
“The following year I was going to study at Iowa College (in the US) after I got a scholarship.
“(But) I still had to cover all my other costs like accommodation and flights.
“Because of a lack of finances, I couldn’t go.”
The first year B.Com student at the University of the Western Cape hopes Athletes SA will come through for him.
Finer details, like which college he will apply to and when he will leave, are still being finalised.
“This is another opportunity for me to live my dream of studying and playing golf. This time (Athletes SA) are taking care of everything,” he says.
“I want to complete my studies so I can have something to fall back on but ultimately I would like to study abroad where I can continue to play golf and hopefully become pro.”
His love for golf came about after watching his dad Igsaan, 51, play.
He won his first provincial tournament while in Grade 10 at South Peninsula High School, and the next year, he represented Western Province under-17.
In 2012, he was crowned the Royal Cape Junior Open champion.
A golf day will be held to raise funds for Mujahid at the Rondebosch Golf Club on August 14.