Pitsi Molebatsi, a Bloemfontein-based footgolf player, has achieved a remarkable feat during the maiden Footgolf World Cup tournament staged in Florida, America. He became the first-ever South African to be the highest ranking player in this international sport, of both men and women. Molebatsi was part of the South African team that represented the country internationally for the first time, under the auspices of Footgolf South Africa (FGSA).
The former U23 men’s football star secured a world ranking of T411. This achievement also makes him the highest ranking player on the African continent.
Molebatsi finished as the South African national team’s highest scorer overall at the Footgolf World Cup, held from 26 May to 6 June, with + 8 points in the men’s category.
“This was also a historical moment for me. I started poorly in the tournament, as I thought it was going to be easy to be in the top 20 based on my preparations and after winning the Footgolf Pro-am Tournament held at the Serengeti Golf Estate,” says Molebatsi.
“I had to readjust my mindset immediately after that, and I reminded myself that I am only as good as my last putt.
“I think I recovered well after that, as my score was +9 at the end of round 1. I scored +1 in 15 holes, which was a great recovery after a poor start. For rounds 2 and 3, I scored (-3) and in the final round I scored +5, which earned me a total score of +8,” says Molebatsi.
The rising star believes the experience gained during the maiden world cup will stand him in good stead for future competitions.
