Classy Compton turns coach for next generation of Moroccan golfing talent
November 6, 2022 – Rabat: The next generation of eager young Moroccan golfers had a day to remember when American star golfer Erik Compton dropped into the driving range at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam to host a special junior clinic, on the sidelines of the International Series Morocco.
The clinic, which focused on triumphing over adversity as well as skills and technique, was attended by over 50 youngsters aged from eight to 17, as part of the Asian Tour’s commitment to growing the game and supporting the community in the destinations that host International Series events.
Compton hosted the clinic minutes after carding a two-under 71 to sit tied sixth in the International Series Morocco. A former PGA Tour star, the American is no stranger to Morocco having won the Hassan II Golf Trophy of Morocco in 2005.
Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.
He said: “I first got invited here in 2005, I love to travel the world. Right now, I’m excited to see all these kids enjoying golf.
“To them it is an ‘aha’ moment – they get to say they have seen a pro and it leaves an impression in their memory and hopefully resonates with a few kids who can go on to do something spectacular.”
Compton, a former number one junior golfer in the US who is known around the world for battling back from two heart transplants, added: “It is great to be here. I do not see myself as different to any other golfers – we all love to get involved. My story is a little unique in that I can talk to the kids about their dreams, and that if I can make it, anyone can make it, and I have been blessed really.”
Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.
The children were thrilled with the session on the driving range at the stunning Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. Ali Toufik, aged 11, said: “It was great to meet a pro tour like Erik, he was so nice, he explained a lot of things to us. Watching the pros play inspired me a lot. It was very nice of Dar Es Salam to let us discover the course and invite us to meet the pros, it was really a great honour.”
Lotfi Mohamed Mamoun, 15, added: “The day was great, we learned a lot, and the course was beautiful. We saw the high standard of golf on the Asian Tour, we also saw how regular the professionals are, with their swings and their setup. From Erik, we learned that even with problems we can always achieve what we want, and if we have a dream we must follow it.”
Adam Hmass, aged 12, added: “I play golf at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam school, and can say that this day was very enriching. We learned how to make the right swings, and we learned about overcoming difficulty. Seeing the players and their professional approach was very rewarding.”
The International Series Morocco draws to a close on Sunday afternoon.
ENDS
