Sports
Musiwalo Nethunzwi’s Journey: From a Tiger Woods Encounter to the Joburg Open
For most young golfers from Limpopo, the opportunity to see Tiger Woods up close is a rare privilege. For Musiwalo Nethunzwi, that moment became the spark that ignited his journey toward professional golf. Now, at 35, he is aiming to make his first-ever cut at the Joburg Open, reflecting on how his love for the sport began.
In 2003, a then-14-year-old Nethunzwi was invited to watch the Presidents Cup at the Links at Fancourt. Though he had only been playing for just over a year, he had already caught the attention of the SA Golf Development Board.
A passionate Tiger Woods fan, Nethunzwi admitted he had mixed emotions while witnessing one of golf’s great rivalries.
“That was the first time I saw Tiger. I watched Vijay [Singh]. I was angry when Vijay beat Tiger. But I was also happy because he’s international and beat the USA,” he told IOL
Primarily competing on the local Sunshine Tour, Nethunzwi is determined to deliver a breakthrough performance at the Joburg Open, a tournament co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour (DPWT).
“I’m just looking forward to the tournament. I have a bit of a history at the Joburg Open. I started playing it when I was still an amateur. Every year, I’ve improved. The last two seasons, I missed the cut by one. Hopefully, this year things can change, and I can finish higher.”
Nethunzwi also highlighted how Dylan Naidoo’s recent SA Open victory has been an inspiration for players of colour in South Africa.
“Keenan Davidse played well at the Alfred Dunhill. Yurav Premlal did well in Sishen. Dylan Naidoo finished second in Mauritius. And this year, he won the SA Open.”
“Dylan gives a lot of players of colour motivation. If he can do it, we can also do it. Honestly, we’re all on that level. I was happy for him. He did well. For his team as well. That’s a motivation to all players of colour.”
Despite steady progress, golf in South Africa is still seen as a sport dominated by privilege. Nethunzwi believes the key to transformation is creating more opportunities for young black players.
“We just need to give more opportunities. When you see potential, give them a chance. Even if they fail, at least they had an opportunity. They shouldn’t fail because there was no opportunity.”
He pointed to other sports as examples of progress.
“Transformation in cricket is improving. The Springboks are getting better. Golf is improving. We just need to keep giving players opportunities.”
Nethunzwi’s best finish on the DPWT was a 46th place at the Jonsson Workwear Open at Glendower Golf Club. But his aspirations go far beyond that.
“The goal is to play at the highest level. To play the majors. And this week at the Joburg Open, if you win, you get an opportunity to go play. You earn a DP World Tour card. There’s a lot at stake.”
“Long term, I want to win a few tournaments on the Sunshine Tour. But I want to play on the PGA Tour. The highest level in this game. I want to play with the best players in the world.”
As Nethunzwi tees off at Houghton Golf Club, he carries the hopes of breaking new ground and inspiring the next generation of South African golfers.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
