Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Exciting young golfer Betty Mokoena, who is in her last year at the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation in George, intends to turn professional next year, when she turns 21.

Mokoena and Heinrich Bruiners, also in her last year at the golf development foundation, recently returned from Kiawah Island in North Carolina where they took part in the SAP Invitational last week.

Mokoena and Bruiners played extremely well and they made a huge impression on their partners in the tournament.

"It was my first time playing abroad and I was delighted," said Mokoena. "This was an opportunity of a lifetime. I got to spend time with Ernie Els, David Leadbetter and Christie Kerr.

"It has got to be the best week of my life - something I will remember forever. I cannot thank the foundation enough."

The foundation's chief executive, Hannes van Niekerk, who accompanied the golfers to the US, said: "You cannot believe how fantastic it was for Heinrich and Betty. They got to play on one of the finest golf courses in the world and meet, spend quality time and learn from some of the biggest names in the game."

Every year two members of the foundation who show the greatest commitment to their golf, studies and interpersonal skills are selected to travel to the SAP Invitational.