Sports Etc
Emerging Superstar: A Rising Talent on the Horizon
Young superstar in the making Kiara Dicks has become a standout figure in the world of golf, despite having started playing the sport in 2019. The 16-year-old, based at State Mines Country Club, clinched the B Division of her club championships and has been on a winning streak ever since. Her accomplishments include triumphs in various Eastern Gauteng Union tournaments, participation in the Women’s GolfRSA Nomads Championships, a call-up to compete in the Standard PRO-AM, and representing the Ekurhuleni Women’s side.
Golf seems to run in the family for Kiara, as she reveals, “My family started playing golf, and I was on the course in my mother’s stomach.” Despite her relatively short time in the sport, Kiara expressed her passion: “I was just hitting shots now and then towards the end of 2019. I told my mom and dad that I should play golf seriously now. So far, I’ve achieved several things.”
Even with her golfing success, education remains a top priority for Kiara. “Like my parents normally say with golf and everything, ‘Golf is a difficult and fun sport, but education must come first.’ So, with me playing golf, I still want to achieve my goals for school. That’s me achieving a top 10 every term. So it’s not just golf, but also doing well at school,” she emphasised.
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While Kiara has aspirations to go far in golf, she remains grounded, drawing inspiration from professionals she sees on TV and those she competes alongside. “All the pros I have seen on TV and playing in the Standard Bank has built my confidence. I have shown myself that this is what I can do when I’m older,” said Dicks.
Kiara has short-term goals: “What I want to achieve next year is defending my title for the club champs at State Mines.” Despite starting her serious golf journey only four years ago and considering the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Kiara’s success is a testament to her focus and determination.
She shared her secret to success: “If you go to the golf course, just put your mind to one goal and tell yourself, ‘I’m going to do this today’. Let’s say you make a double bogey on the first hole. That’s fine. There’s still another 17 or 35 holes to go. Don’t let that one hole get you down. Just focus on your tipping and putting.”
Kiara also advised aspiring young golfers: “You have to enjoy the game. You can’t be forced to play; you must enjoy it and have fun. All you can do is practice because practice makes perfect,” said the rising star from State Mines.
Source: Young superstar in the making
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Picture: Supplied by Brakpan Herald
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