FOR TWINS AKHIL AND KAIRAV MADURAY, THEIR PASSION AND DRIVE FOR GOLF JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER, WRITES LEE CURRIE
It began with a toy golf set because at two years old they loved watching golf on TV. By the time they were four, Mount Edgecombe twins Akhil and Kairav Maduray had graduated to real clubs, a golf coach and the odd broken window. From the age of five they started playing in tournaments, and at seven they made The SA Kids Golf team competing in Scotland at the European Championships.
Now 12, the Atholton Primary School Grade 7 learners have garnered over 20 wins at local and national competitions and earned themselves a bursary to Westville Boys High School next year. Proud mom Priya says it’s much easier for her and husband Pregulan now that the twins are older as they don’t have to caddy for them anymore. “While it was fun, it could be pretty stressful as neither of us play golf and had to select the right clubs out of an assortment of 14!”
Both youngsters play in the Mount Edgecombe Country Club men’s league B division and earlier this year in the Natal Nomads Golf Tournament held at their club. Kairav who has a 6.9 handicap came first while Akhil who has a 4.7 was placed sixth. Both play left handed. They sometimes play as a team, though admit to not always being in agreement. They do however agree on their golfing hero, Brooks Koepka. “He is full on consistent and never gives up even if he’s playing badly,” says Akhil.
Their favourite part of the game? Kairav: “Probably my irons because I like to get spin on the ball, that’s the fun part.” Akhil likes to perfect his chipping and putting. The twins play golf every day for around three hours, except during exam time. They also play soccer, hockey and run cross country for their school. Their favourite golf courses? Gowrie and The Woods at Mount Edgecombe Country Club. Both nod enthusiastically when asked if they plan on becoming professional golfers. Their parents, however, are insistent on a back-up plan; Kairav says he wants to be a veterinary doctor, Akhil a civil engineer. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop them from setting their sights on playing in the Sunshine Tour and one day … The Masters.
Watching them play, this is certainly no pipe dream