Golfing beyond borders
From 3 to 10 August, Connor Gibson (16), a year 10 learner from The International School of Walvis Bay (ISWB), took part in the 2024 Congaree Global Golf Initiative (CGGI) International Week. The event was hosted in North Berwick, a coastal town situated close to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Young golfers from all over the world were driving shots in the hope for that perfect hole in one - or at least the score that will secure first place.Gibson, along with the other golfers, resided in the Archerfield Links lodges.
“It was an amazing experience playing with so many golfers from all over the world and competing against them on a course that none of us had ever played on,” noted an excited Gibson.
Charlie Lohmann, a friend of Gibson and fellow Namibian golfer who participated in CGGI last year, nominated him to take part in this event. Lohmann nominated Gibson to go in order to demonstrate his true potential to his international opponents.
Gibson's trip was sponsored by the Congaree Foundation, a non-profit educational initiative, whose mission is to provide commendable high school learners who aspire to play college golf with access to athletic coaching and academic tools. The initiative aims to assist them with opportunities for success. A learner’s journey with Congaree begins at CGGI.
There were many reputable coaches present at CGGI: Bruce Davidson (Director of golf for the Friedkin Group), Tom Craft (Head golf professional at Congaree and a Professional Golfers' Association class A professional) and Gary Nicol (Co-founder and coaching director at Tour Pro Experience Golf Schools).
At the prize-giving event which was held on the last day of the trip, Gibson placed second overall in the CGGI tournament.
“It has taken me years of practice and sacrifice to get to the level of golf I am at now but I have always believed that it was worth it. I am very happy to be chasing my dream of playing golf on the big stage. If anyone reading this is doubting themselves: anything is possible when you believe in yourself and dedicate your time to fulfilling your dream,” Gibson said. He also shares that the next objectives for him as a golfer include working to obtain a scholarship to be able to play golf in the United States of America in 2028.