The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter
WHEN former world number one golfer Tiger Woods signed a placard that was later handed over to a young golfer, Trust Makamidzani, who miraculously survived Cyclone Idai last year it might have been a routine gesture of goodwill for the global celebrity but the banner is now a major source of inspiration for the teenager.
Sixteen-year-old Makamidzani, who unbelievably survived the ravages of Cyclone Idai in March last year after he was buried under rocks and sustained life-threatening injuries, says it is the thought and empathy from the former world number one that gives him inspiration to achieve more in golf.
“I never thought a person of his (Tiger Woods) calibre would spare a thought for people like us. I always wake up every day and attend training knowing that there are people who have achieved much in life but still spare a thought for us,” said Makamidzani in a recent interview.
Today, the Chimanimani teenager, who was left homeless and is among the survivors of the tropical storm living in makeshift tents, can now showcase his talent on the course once again, thanks to Strathmore Golf Club in Scotland who paid to have him placed in the care of Surgeon Ralf Kit Kat at a Mutare private clinic.
Strathmore also went on to pay for Makamidzani’s coaching with a top national coach and today he is among Zimbabwe’s top junior golfers.
As he continues picking up the pieces after last year’s devastating experience, Makamidzani recently gave a good account of himself in the Dugmore tournament where he ended 23rd but still managed to come out tops in his age group.
Individual winner of the tournament was Matthew Williams with a +8, while Sherperd Chiwaya was the runner-up on +16.
In the teams category Wingate, with 715 points, were first while ZRP Golf Club came second with a tally of 721.
The total field was 57, with Dugmore teams totalling six along with six fellowship teams.
Zimbabwe Golf Union development officer Boniface Chigorimbo spoke highly about Makamidzani’s potential.
“His performance was below standard, I think due to the tough conditions of the course. The boy needs lots of resources and training because his potential is huge,” said Chigorimbo soon after the Dugmore contest.
Late last year, Makamidzani was among the 11 junior golfers comprising 10 boys and one girl, from Manicaland, who gave a good account of themselves in the Zimbabwe Junior Strokeplay in Harare.
Makamidzani topped the leader board at Borrowdale Brooke with a gross 75 on day two.
Out of 10 boys, three — Takudzwa Nyamvundu, Farai Munyisa (both from Mutare) and Makamidzani — managed the top 32 out 90 golfers from different parts of the country.
