Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics

Young golfer gets first taste of Nedbank Disabled Golf Open

Nineteen year old amputee Duane Janse van Rensburg, the latest addition to Team Icexpress, competed at his first Nedbank SA Disabled Golf Open hosted by the Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg this month. Janse van Rensburg, who started playing golf less than five months ago, kept improving as the three day tournament progressed and finished fifth in the Junior Division with a score of 101 on the last day.

As the case with many of Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics’ amputee athletes, this Matric learner from Krugersdorp has always been actively involved in sport having played rugby and cricket prior to the amputation of his left leg last year. “I had a motorcycle accident on 19 July 2009 caused by an oil-spill on a bend in the road near Silverstar Casino. My bike skidded out from under me and I hit the barrier, a week later my left leg was amputated under the knee”. Janse van Rensburg spent 42 days in hospital with severe injuries to his right leg, hip, and pelvis. Now, less than a year later, he is competing at the Golf Open!

“I really enjoyed the Open and hope to compete again next year. It is inspiring to meet so many other disabled athletes and I found everyone to be competitive yet friendly and supportive at the same time.”

Coming into the Open with a 12 Handicap, Janse van Rensburg admits that he is constantly working to improve his mobility and strength. When not studying to complete his Matric or working as Assistant Manager at his family’s restaurant, he can be found working out at the gym, or at the driving range with long-time friend and “golf coach” Wesley Barnard.

“I play action cricket socially, am training in cage fighting, as well as participating in drag racing (to name but a few). Although I have not decided on a future career path yet, I am determined to remain active and hope to continue to compete in various sports disciplines while I am able. I might even consider a career in sport but right now I am focused on my Matric.”

About the Open and Randpark Golf Course he adds, “The event was very well organised and I found Randpark to be a challenging golf course, with plenty of bunkers and waterholes. I had a lot of fun!”