Gofaone swings her way to Junior Africa Challenge top four

Kimberley’s Gofaone Mohurutshe once again proved that determination and resilience can carry an athlete far beyond their years, and over seemingly daunting obstacles.

The seven-year-old golfer from the Diamond City secured an impressive fourth-place finish at the prestigious Junior Africa Challenge, hosted at the scenic San Lameer Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal.

The annual tournament drew young golfing talents from across the continent, but it was the tiny figure of Gofaone, who plugged away at the task at hand, that was most impressive. 

Competing with a few disadvantages weighing on her, she faced significant hurdles, including a hand injury sustained during practice. Not only this, but she had limited equipment; without a driver or 3-wood, she relied solely on her 7-iron, pitching wedge, and putter – these obstacles might have overwhelmed even seasoned competitors. Yet Gofaone battled on.

Her father, Tshepo Molusi, once again took on the role of caddy and helped her adapt to the course’s coastal winds. “He kept reminding me to keep my shots low,” Gofaone said with a smile, recalling how her Dad had taught her to maximise distance without the advantage of long irons.

Lessons from Johannesburg

Her resilience in KwaZulu-Natal followed another demanding test a few weeks ago at the SA Kids Junior Golf Championship in Johannesburg. That trip was anything but straightforward. After an overnight journey to Dainfern Golf Estate, she stepped off the bus and onto the tee box with little time to prepare.

Equipment limitations once again made the challenge tougher. “I struggled to hit the ball far like the other children,” she admitted, explaining how she competed with only a pitching wedge, seven-iron and putter. With her father acting as caddy, she adjusted her game hole by hole. “He said I mustn’t give up, even when it was difficult,” she recalled.

Battling injury and limited equipment

It was in the days leading up to the KZN tournament that Gofaone injured her left hand. Without a proper golf glove, the worn grips of her clubs added to her discomfort with every swing. “This setback could have deterred many,” her father told the DFA, “but Gofaone chose to confront the challenge head-on by saying she would put on a plaster on her hand and persevere. 

“But we bought her a glove.” 

The fact that she did not have a full set of clubs at her disposal meant that she relied on her 7-iron, pitching wedge, and putter – forcing her to adapt her strategies and depend on her father’s guidance to navigate the challenging course.

Despite these obstacles, Gofaone refused to let adversity define her tournament. Her perseverance paid off as she battled fiercely for a podium spot, eventually finishing just shy of third place.

Looking ahead

Off the course, Gofaone’s week in KwaZulu-Natal brought new friendships, shared tips with fellow competitors, and valuable lessons. “This is just the beginning for her,” her father said proudly. “She has shown that passion and hard work can overcome any obstacle.”

Her performance at San Lameer stands as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere – a reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, dreams can be realised with determination, support, and spirit.

With her name now firmly on the radar of junior golf enthusiasts, Gofaone’s story from the 2025 Junior Africa Challenge may well be the first chapter of a remarkable golfing career.