By Murray White
Certainly one of the more inspiring golf stories that I have come across as Siyanda Mwandla told me his introduction into golf was genuinely out of necessity as he needed the pocket money whilst working while at primary school as a caddie.
Siyanda has an unbelievable attitude and is truly grateful for the opportunity to live his dream as a Professional golfer. Refreshingly honest and exceptionally humble about the hardships he has had to go through and adamant that all these “tests” have actually helped and shaped him as a player and human. These are not excuses, they are tests to your dream and we are all fighting the same battle in one way or another as Siyanda points out. 
How lonely is that daily walk?
Something that has always stuck with me, was when I caddied at the 2017 Tshwane Open. This was a big event and co-sanctioned with the European Tour. There were two entire families in our 4 ball who were following their relatives for the week. The one family unit had around eight people and included a few large cooler boxes and even a flip-out tent for the kids. This is a true story and my American counterpart chuckled as he commented “ You guys are into your golf hey?” But the question here is, how much of a competitive advantage it is that support and input over the years? Especially when you add up all the individual components and stress, related to each sphere in tour life (accommodation, travel plus having a car – savings of how many hours each day, have you forgotten anything? And that backup and even the cheering from the sidelines) these are really, really, nice things to have and yes an advantage even more so on a post-Covid planet – no doubt. It’s just the reality of South Africa and Siyanda won’t let anything get in the way of his dreams and incredible work ethic. Results speak for themselves as he says and he’s on a great trajectory with some solid results in his last few events on the Sunshine Tour. But we want to win. That’s what this is all about. With a great mentor in Hannes (from the Ernie Els Foundation), his coach Emile Steinmann and Siyanda’s father. The pieces are coming into place and Siyanda feels that there is better and more consistent golf coming. He is meticulous about planning his golf training schedule, even a day ahead and running it past his team for verification and input. He prefers to not drink alcohol as that will hold him back and in his words “I only have one shot at my dream. Distractions never help the goal”.
Some of Siyanda’s achievements
- 2010 – Represented KZN U/19
- 2011 – Won 4 KZN Junior Tournament in a row.
- 2013 – Won Mount Edgecombe Club Champs.
- 2013 – Won KZN U/23 (36 holes)
“Life is difficult, but hard work and perseverance make it a lot easier.”
Chip shots…
What’s your home club? Mount Edgecombe GC in Umhlanga, Durban.
When and how did you start playing golf? I started in 2007 as a caddy for pocket money for school and the passion only grew from there.
Which school did you attend? I went to Shakaskraal Secondary School on the North coast.
Other sports you played? I played soccer, which I still love, but unfortunately, I can’t play as much as I would like.
Best subject at school? Tourism. I loved tourism because I started travelling when I was in high school so I could relate more to the subject.
Favourite sports teams you follow? I love Kaizer Chiefs and Manchester City.
What is your favourite food? Braais are the best. Nothing beats lamb chops, boerewors, brisket, chakalaka and pap.
Favourite club/iron? My putter.
Favourite Music artist? DJ Black Coffee.
Your dream 4-ball of all time? Trevor Noah, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and me.
Favourite Golfer? Tiger Woods.
Favourite gym exercise? Push Ups.
Favourite Movie? London Has Fallen.
Dream golf tournament to win? SA Open.
Career highlight so far? Representing SA in Zambia Africa Games 2016.
Best Golf Tip you had? Hold that finish.
WHAT’S IN THE BAG… 
- Driver: Srixon ZX7 (9.5 Deg) Project X HZRDUS Smoke
- Fairway: Srixon 3 Wood ZX7 (15° Deg) Project X Smoke Black
- Srixon ZX Utility: 18 Deg UST Recoil F5 shaft
- Irons: 4-6 Srixon Z 785 | 7-P Srixon Z Forged
- Wedges: 50°9b, 54°10b, 58°10b, Cleveland RTX Zip Core
- *All irons and wedges with Dynamic Gold X100 shafts and Golf Pride grips
- Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport
QUICK TIP:
Spend 80%of your time on short game elements including putting, wedges and test yourself with different lies from the 100m mark.
SIYANDA MWANDLA IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Srixon AND CLEVELAND GOLF
