She’s been playing golf for 55 years, but says that despite this, she sometimes still doesn’t get it right. Judy Paterson’s confession might be of little comfort to me (a desperate golfer in the making), yet her words were hugely comforting to one of her junior golfers back in 1979.
Judy was a Springbok golfer then, at a time when we weren’t exactly welcome guests in the international sporting arena.
“We were meant to play against France in South Africa, but their government pulled them off the plane,” Judy said. “So instead we went across to the States for six weeks and played in major tournaments, as individuals. It was the pinnacle of my career.”
Although our country was allowed to re-enter world tournaments in the early 90s, she recalls, “all touring was restricted in the 80s, even though Springbok colours were awarded to sportsmen”.
Judy arrived in South Africa from the UK when she was 27, never thinking she would become a Springbok golfer.
“I’ve played golf since I was 11. My mother taught me. She was a good golfer and played for Worcestershire. I also played for our county.”
Judy intended staying in South Africa for just a year, then she met her late husband and has been here ever since.
“I worked in the catering section for Lever Brothers, and played in their monthly golf games,” she says. “I was encouraged to join the club (then Huletts) and had to play with the committee. It was quite daunting as I teed off in front of Jean Duncan Taylor, June Bartlett and Audrey Healy. My second shot went straight up a tree, and when I offered to climb the tree to play on, they declared me in!”
Professional
Her golfing career was interrupted on occasion by her professional career and her responsibility as a mother. In 1972 she played for Natal, after having her daughter. She was lady captain of Mount Edgecombe and club champion on numerous occasions.
“In my day we played golf for the love of it. Nowadays, it’s a lot more serious and we expect a higher level of commitment.”
Currently, Judy manages the KZN ladies’ inter-provincial team and has previously invested a lot of time and energy in the provincial Junior Golf Foundation, organising tournaments and acting as secretary, fulfilling administrative tasks.
“In the 70s Jackie Mercer and I taught more than 200 children during the school holidays. We landed up with 12 stitches between us, me with seven in my head, she with five! We certainly did our bit,” she laughs. Despite that, Judy believes “golf is a wonderfully social sport”.
“It instils discipline, and forces you to strive to do the impossible. It’s a fantastic game that you can play with anyone of any standard. You can play until you’re 90, health willing!”
She’s witnessed the success of many youngsters who came up through the ranks as juniors. Tim Clark, who at 14 was a brilliant golfer, and Rory Sabbatini.
“Sergio Garcia shares two South African caddies, Glen Murray and Gary Matthews, who were juniors with us.” Judy was also invited to be a Nomad. This involves 20 players getting together every four years to tour seven countries. “It’s purely for goodwill between countries through golf.” Her dedication, she adds, is because “I want to give something back”.
“I got so much out of golf – and it kept me out of mischief!” R