Golfer Kim Turgot from Curro Aurora making us proud
10 January 2022Kim Turgut first started playing golf when she was only 5 years old. Gary Player had kiddies’ clinics at World of Golf, and during my school holidays she attended a couple of them. Her memories of these clinics are filled with her having lots of fun while learning the basics of golf.
When she was only 7 years old, she played in her first tournament. It was an SA Kids Golf tournament and a qualifier to play in the USA. She remembers feeling so nervous before the tournament because she thought there would be a massive crowd watching her, like in the professional tournaments. Turned out that the crowd present was her family, with her dad caddying for her over the two days & then went on to winning her first tournament in Bronkhorstspruit. She continued playing in SA Kids Golf tournaments for many years and their tournaments formed a key role in developing her as a golfer and a person.
Later that year, she was very privileged to travel with her dad to Chicago where she competed in a couple of tournaments there. She made her very first birdie in America and finished second in that tournament. A couple of years later, she had another opportunity to play in America – this time in San Diego and Las Vegas. Both trips were great experiences and filled with wonderful memories she will cherish forever.
She continued playing golf for Central Gauteng Golf Union and for Ladies Golf Gauteng competing in several inter-provincial tournaments. She has had the opportunity to play amongst top ranked golfers in South Africa and in the world. One of her goals that she achieved was climbing to 5th in the South African Amateur Junior Rankings and she is currently ranked around 1600 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
While being a learner & enjoying playing golf for Curro Aurora, she loved every golf trip they went on with her amazing sports teacher, Mr Ferreira, who made sure our team always felt like family. It was a privilege to travel across the country representing my school – especially on world-class courses like Gary Player Country Club. Kim Turgut went on to say “I am grateful for all the support I received from everybody at Curro Aurora throughout the years.
Like many top high school athletes in South Africa, it was my dream to study in the USA on a sports scholarship. Kim, is super excited to have reached her dream to be playing in Division 1 collegiate golf for California State University Northridge from 2022. She is looking forward to her new adventure in Los Angeles.
Playing sports, especially from a young age, helps to build character and teaches you many valuable life lessons. She encourages young athletes to work hard to be the best they can be, because participating in sports can open doors to life-changing opportunities.
Dream Big and drive your passion to realisation!