Charl Coetzee

Charl first tried his hand at golf at the age of 10, but was also something of a sporting all-rounder. He gained his junior provincial colours in Cricket, Athletics, Gymnastics and Cross Country. As a result, Charl only took golf more seriously from the age of 16. However, he immediately began to make significant strides through the junior and amateur ranks. Charl represented Western Province for 7 years from the year 2000. In 2004, he achieved the honour of being selected to represent his country. The following year, Charl won the Coppa Didier Illous in France, and finished 2nd in the Berkshire Trophy in England. 2005 culminated in him being named Amateur of the year, an accolade he cherishes as one of his finest. Charl consolidated his good play in 2006, and played for South Africa at De Zalze GC in the 2006 Eisenhower Trophy. Perhaps his most impressive achievement of all that year came when he finished in the Top 10 in the 2006 Tour Championship on the Sunshine Tour (as an amateur). By the time Charl turned pro in 2007, he had amassed 28 victories locally and internationally, and represented South Africa in Australia, Argentina, France and Swaziland. Since turning pro, he has exhibited his prolific talent on the Sunshine Tour, and enjoyed an 18th place finish in the 2009 Order of Merit. Despite a serious shoulder injury and subsequent surgery in 2010, Charl has recovered superbly, recording 6 top 10 finishes since returning to the Tour in 2011. He will no doubt feel that his maiden tour victory is not far away. This young man from Belville GC has plans to give the Asian Tour a go next year, with long-term plans to make his mark on the European and US PGA Tours. His dream fourball would be to play with Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy and his role model, Jbe' Kruger. Away from the course, Charl works hard at the gym, while also committing as much time as possible to being with friends and family.