- February 2018
Personal Statement
My journey: My name is Emile Raath and I am a 17-year old student at The Golf School of Excellence (TGSE) in Cape Town, South Africa. When I was younger, living in Pretoria, South Africa, my aunt used to take me out on the course with her and that is how I first got introduced to the game of golf. At the time, I took part in every sport that my primary school offered. I played rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis. Later, in high school I also was a part of the swimming team and the first team tennis. I was fortunate to be chosen as prefect in primary school, as well as captain of the cricket- and rugby teams.In 2011, we moved to Cape Town where my love for the game started to grow. After we were settled in Cape Town, I got my first set of golf clubs and my parents got me a membership at the local driving range where I ended up spending most of my time. My mom would drop me off at the range after school, then my dad would fetch me at night just before the range closed. It was at this stage where my love for the game became unreal. In 2012, we moved more to the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and it was here where I was lucky enough to get a membership from my parents at the local golf club, Clovelly Country Club. After school, I would walk up to the course to go practice and I played just about every Saturday and Sunday, if it was possible. As I got better at the game, golf started to get really expensive and I always had to walk a more challenging road than most other junior golfers in my area. I never had the best new clubs, balls or the fancy clothing but I did and still have an amazing supportive structure at home and a love and passion for the game that could get me through any difficult times.Strong values are building blocks for success:We have been raised within a value system where the importance of teamwork is continually stressed. My sister and I are encouraged to find our own solutions to problems that we encounter with our parents and family (our modern village) playing a supportive role when needed. My mom has always played a massive role in my life and my golfing career as she has taught me the fundamentals to be successful and make the best with what you have. When I decided to take golf more seriously, I had to show through my actions that my passion for the game is stronger than the adversities I would have to overcome. I had to ride the 6km on my bicycle to the golf course (up a mountain) whenever I wanted to play, arrange with the golf club to store my clubs and arrange, in advance, my calendar with my parents for any upcoming championship events. I also had to, and still do, organize lifts to and from these championships if it was too expensive, and submit motivations for monetary and other support. Through these additional responsibilities I have learnt that there is always more than one solution to any problem, that most opportunities for solutions can be created through open and honest communication, and to have the tenacity of a bull dog – No is not an answer that I have the luxury of accepting if I want to be a professional golfer one day. I am still learning that my fears can therefore not overshadow my drive and that sometimes I will have to do things despite the fear of rejection, like when I had to ask Atlantic Beach Golf Club executives for a grant to support my trip to George when I was selected for the Western Province u/19’s this year. It does not mean that, just because we do not have a lot of money I cannot achieve my dream of becoming a professional golfer. In 2013, I started to play tournament golf and my amateur career began. It was a very hard year for me as I struggled a lot to play well because I had no idea about how strong your mental game really needs to be. Being a typical 13-year old teenager, the opinions of others mattered at times more than my golf game which affected my game quality negatively, especially during competitions. Since then my mom, a behavioral specialist, and I have been working on my mental strength, day in and day out. She has taught me the importance of narrow-mindedly focusing on the smaller picture (the ball and I) when I play, whilst always keeping the bigger picture in mind – displaying good golf etiquette, being respectful and minding my manners. I have a ‘goals chart’ in my room which I revisit regularly and adjust whenever a short-term goal has been reached. This is another example of how blessed I am to have such an amazing and stable supportive structure, my mom gave everything she had to help me improve my mental game as well as my golf game. My aunts (both business women) teach me that my financial needs can only be met if I can show through my actions and commitment that I’m in this for the long haul. They support me financially (with flights, competition fees, branded clothing (my one aunt has her own business), golf balls) within very strict parameters such as consistency in my performance and the improvement thereof, continuous professionalism – not only in my conduct, but also when seeking advice or support, helping younger players with their own game, and the importance of building positive long-lasting relationships. They also put me in contact with key role-players nationally that might be keen on investing in my future in an advisory capacity.Every year since starting golf, I improved little by little until I joined TGSE this year. Last year my stroke average was 80.4 and halfway through this year it has improved to 75.8 and still improving. I contribute my improved game to the support of my family and my coach, Mr Paul Mackenzie, who have taught me that, if I work hard and if I am really dedicated I will be successful. This inspires me every day to practice 2 hours before school begins in the mornings and practice till late in the afternoon or even till the night to become the best golfer that I can be. Since joining the School, I’ve learnt more about (i) the technical aspects of the game, (ii) the importance of having the right golfing mind set, (iii) to unpack each aspect of my game and identify where my strengths lie and which areas I need to improve on, (iv) putting in the hours beyond school requirements, (v) looking after your health and fitness, and (vi) working towards building a balanced life that also extends beyond golf. I’ve also learnt the importance of taking a break from golf to rest, not only my body, but my mind also. And to pace myself – to know that this wonderful opportunity is a marathon, not a sprint. My challenges:Yes, it has been a harder road for me so far because my family is not rich but I do not see the things that I have been through as obstacles, I see them as opportunities that I got to learn and also to appreciate the wonderful support system that I have. One of the greatest challenges that I have had to overcome in support of my dream, was living apart from my family for a year whilst I finished Grade 10. February 2015 my life changed, my grandad gave me R250 000 to go towards further studies which turned out to be just enough for the golf school fees. I had the choice to go for my dream and apply to The Golf School of Excellence Cape Town or save the money for further studies. I chose the dream I have had since I was a youngster. So, with the goal that I was going to join the school in 2017, my parents found a house close to TGSE at the end of 2015. This meant that I had to stay with a friend during 2016. A further challenge, was to adapt to a home schooling centre approach academically whilst adjusting to a structured golf school regime which includes high fitness programme, personal coaching, squad training, high pressure situation squad training, weekly match- and stroke play competitions. On top of this, I had to plan my competitions in advance and extend the scope to include more national championships. The higher demand on my golf involvement naturally led to increased and very unexpected costs to all of us. I must say, this might have been my highest learning curve as I’ve learnt first hand that a higher level of excellence comes at a much higher cost – financially, mentally, intellectually and psychologically. I am still learning to cope with the stress that it puts on the whole family and to not allow my overpowering passion, drive and impatient need to succeed sooner rather than later, to affect my concentration during rounds. Because I am acutely aware of the sacrifices that everyone is making for me to achieve my dream, I had to learn to channel the frustration into my passion for the game.Why do I deserve a scholarship?I know it takes a village to excel and am acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with it, the personal and academic growth needed to be an ambassador for those who invest their hard-earned time, money and skill in me. I am raised in a values-driven household where I am taught to carry the consequences of my actions and responsibility for the decisions I make to carry my career forward. Golf is a very expensive sport. I am asking for assistance because the game is simply too expensive for my parents to afford. I am motivated and hardworking and I know how lucky I am to play the game I love every day. I always try to behave with respect towards others and I will do anything it takes to achieve my goals. Pursuing university study will assist me work towards a career that I can extend beyond being a golf professional. I have been exposed and positively influenced by my extended family and have formed a passionate love for not only my sport, but the science behind reaching a level of excellence. will guide me towards my ultimate career as a professional golfer with the possibility of integrating into the support system and helping others to achieve success. I seek to change, help and mold the lives of those impacted by dysfunction and disadvantage; financially, physically, socially, and emotionally.For the past 7 years my family and I have worked on each and every building block in my developmental path. As I’ve hopefully shown in this essay, I am willing to put in the blood, sweat and tears, and to push myself beyond measure. The only factor that stands in the way of me achieving my dream, is money. I know you must get millions of applications but I know I can make a significant difference on your team. I am willing to work hard academically and golf wise to perform to my absolute best every time I have the immense pleasure to represent your academic institution. I will always wear the name with pride and always behave in a respectful way to not do your academic institution’s name any harm. I hope to be considered as a future student athlete at your academic institution!
