Karam Baijnath – Head PGA Teaching Professional

Papwa Sewgolum golf course

	Karam Baijnath
	karambaijnath

 

What led you to becoming a PGA Professional?	My passion and love for the game of golf. I also taught it’s imperative to represent diversity in the game of golf. It is a game that helped build and maintain relationships with my family as all my siblings enjoyed the game.
How long have you been in your current position?	I have been teaching and playing golf for nearly 30 years and have been teaching in my current position for many years.
What does your job entail?	My job entails teaching golf to all levels of golfers from beginners to advanced, groups, juniors and all genders and I also promote the game if golf within diverse communities and I also do video analysis with clients.
Do you have any environmental or sustainability goals that you have met and would like to share?	I abided by strict hygiene and health protocols in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. I also try to encourage protection of the environment in many different ways at the facilities I work and my local golf club.
Please give us a brief outline of the path you took to lead you to your current position	I have always been interested in golf from a young age, even when as a person of colour, I was limited to playing golf at only certain golf courses. My elder brother was a contemporary if stalwarts in the industry and I one of the first registered PGA Professional of Indian decent in the country. I completed my PGA Professional apprenticeship approximately I think more than 10 years ago. I have overcome many political and financial obstacles to be where I am today. I also represented Natal in athletics and win many awards in athletics.
Why do you feel that you would be a good candidate to win this award?	I am a good candidate for this award/ awards as I have preserved through many challenges to be able to teach golf to people if all sectors. Many of my clients have come in all colours, shapes and sizes and I am able to impart not only golf but also the lessons of perseverance and appreciation that the game taught me throughout my life.