Name: Muhammad Zaydan (aka MZ)
Age: 6 years old
Hometown: Pietermaritzburg
Golf club: Maritzburg/Midlands golf club
Career highlights:
- – Winning the Junior African Challenge in August 2022 and subsequently qualifying to play at the World Championships in Ireland in 2023.
- – Winning the KZN order of merit for the 2022 season.
- – Shooting the lowest round of the day for two tournaments thus far.
Where and when did your love affair with golf start?
It all began when I was 4 years old and watched my dad and grandpa play on the mashie course at Eddels Sports and Social Club, I asked them to let me hit the ball once and I was immediately driven to hit another and another…
Do you set yearly goals and what are they?
Most definitely…my goal is always trying to beat my personal lowest score.
Strengths and weaknesses of the game?
Strengths: has to be my short game, especially my putting and recovery shots.
Weaknesses: my inability to deal with failure and a bad shot.
Do you play other sports or do you only focus on golf?
I Enjoy all sports at school but golf has to be the one that has my heart.
What tournaments you would most like to win?
For now: The Champion of Champions…isn’t that every young golfer’s dream.
In the future: The Masters… that will definitely be a long-term goal.
What is your go-to club in your bag and why?
My putter…the short game is such an important part of golf and I feel most confident with my putter, it helps me have the edge above everyone and win tournaments.
Best advice ever received…
Stay focused, stay calm and enjoy my game.
Any advice you would give other juniors just starting?
Have fun! Play your best game!
Do you have any superstitions before you play?
Yes, I do…my red golfer is my go-to shirt as I believe it’s my ‘lucky’ shirt.
What are your favourite golf courses?
San Lameer and Zimbali. I would still love to play at Pinehurst in America (after watching The Short Game on Netflix)
Long-term goals:
To become a professional golfer like Tiger Woods.
>>Chip shots<<
5 things about me…
- – I support Liverpool
- – I love chicken wings
- – I love to Dance … you might catch me hitting a move or two on the golf course after a good shot.
- – My favourite colour is red
- – I enjoy playing soccer with my friends.
Just for fun…
One animal to describe me:
Lion! Because he’s the King of the Jungle!
Something you are addicted to and can’t live without:
My golf clubs.
Something you hate doing?
Putting on sunscreen.
Movie that you can watch again and again:
The Short Game
What 3 things would you want on a deserted island?
- – Chicken wings and juice
- – My IPad
- – My Spiderman toothbrush
