RISING STAR Q&A
Please write a paragraph about yourself:
My name is Kriyan David Vadivalu and I am 11 years old. I am a member of the Mount Edgecombe Country Club. I am an avid golfer who loves playing and watching golf. Although many may say Tiger Woods is their favourite golfer, I simply love Collin Morikawa. I have played and won many tournaments hosted by US Kids and SA Kids. I look forward to sharpening my skills as I continue to enjoy this beautiful game.
What are your CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
- SA Kids Boys 9-10 Order of merit Champion in both stroke average & points – December 2022.
- US Kids Fall Tour Boys 11-Year Order of Merit Champion – April 2023.
- Representing KwaZulu-Natal at the SA Kids U-11 Inter-provincial tournament in 2022.
- Achieving my KZN Golf Union U-13 colours in 2023 to represent KZNGU at the Golf RSA Nomads U-13 Inter-provincial tournament to be held in October 2023.
Tell us where and when your love affair with golf started.
It all began when I was 7 years old, I accompanied my grandad out to the Eshowe Hills Country Club. It took a few swings with oversized clubs and I was hooked. Shortly after that, my dad bought me my first set of clubs and the rest was history.
Are you the sort of golfer who sets yearly goals? If so, what goals did you set for yourself to achieve?
Yes, I think setting goals is important. Although I have been playing for just a few years, I remember setting my goal to shoot in the 80s, then to shoot in the 70s and soon I hope to shoot a clean card. My main goal is to always ensure I enjoy my game, learn from my mistakes and try my best to improve.
Talk to us about the strengths of your game and what are the weaknesses or aspects of the game you still need to attend to.
My strength is my short game, I enjoy chipping and putting. I love practising and spending a lot of time in and around the green. I have also been spending a lot of time working on approaching from 70m down. My weakness at the moment is getting the best out of my fairway woods, although my hybrid is my best friend. Golf is a work in progress, as Tiger Woods said, “No matter how good you get you can always get better, that’s the exciting part.”
Do you participate in other sports at school, or is golf your primary focus?
I participate in Soccer, Cricket and Hockey at school but golf is still my favourite.
Which tournaments would you most like to win and why?
As a junior, I would love to win the World Championships in the USA.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Strive for continuous improvement instead of perfection.
What’s your go-to club in your bag and why?
My 56-degree wedge all day long. I am confident with it from 70m down and all around the green.
What advice would you give youngsters just starting in the game?
Golf requires time, dedication and commitment but in the words of Gary Player “Enjoy the game, Happy golf is good golf.”
Do you have any superstitions before golf or on the golf course?
On some of my tournament days, I like to carry my lucky marker or wear my lucky hat.
Which are your favourite golf courses and which golf courses would you still love to play?
My favourite course is The Woods at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club. Among the other local courses, I like Umhlali and Zimbali. I would love to play Pinnacle Point soon. Like most avid golfers I would love to play at The Old Course at St Andrews as well as Pinehurst and Augusta in the USA.
Long term, what are your goals for the future and how does golf feature?
I want to continue to strike a balance between my academic and golf achievements. I would love to become a Professional Tour Player one day. It would be a dream come true to play golf at the highest level in SA and the USA.
CHIP SHOTS
Tell us 5 things about yourself that most people don’t know.
- My nickname is “Joker Kri” Once you get to know me you will know why.
- I collect rare Pokémon cards
- Family is the most important thing to me
- I am an Arsenal FC Fan
- I enjoy Chess and Math
JUST FOR FUN…
If you had to pick up one animal to describe you, what would it be and why?
An Eagle, it’s the king of the skies, besides I wouldn’t mind shooting a lot of eagles on the course if you know what I mean.
Describe the best meal you’ve had while on the road and where you had it.
McDonald’s, anytime anywhere.
What is your favourite season and why?
Summer, I love the longer days. More light more golf.
Is there anything you are addicted to or can’t live without?
YouTube.
Tell us about something you hate doing and why?
I hate doing my chores, it’s boring but I don’t have a choice.
What movie can you watch again and again?
I love “Ready Player One” it’s a gamer movie.