Talent doesn’t guarantee success, but talent together with passion enhances the probability of achieving success. Passion assists in giving one direction and vision in life. Calvin’s passion found him early in life and despite his relatively young age he believes he knows exactly what direction his career path will follow.
Calvin Maia is a talented 15-year-old student at KeNako Academy. Calvin has always enjoyed being active and started playing tennis at a young age. His love for golf developed a few years ago when he was invited by his friends to play a friendly game of golf. He enrolled into the academy two years ago and has been focused on perfecting his game. His personal short-term goal is to improve his mental game. He has also been told by the professionals that he needs to work on his strength and he has recently started a more strenuous physical training programme. Calvin knows that success does not come easy but with passion, commitment and hard work he is dedicated and he wants to make golf his life and his profession. Calvin won the SA Kids Qualifier two years back and it is an accomplishment that he is very proud of achieving. This year he set his sight on making the SA Under-19 IPT and he ultimately to become a professional golfer. This talented young player’s handicap is currently 2.
Playing at Augusta National Golf Club is his dream. When it comes to playing on the local courses in the area, he prefers playing on Oubaai Golf Club – he says he really appreciates the immaculate condition the course is in. When it comes to his clubs, he feels his 52-degree gap wedge never lets him down. His strength lies in his driving and chipping, and with his short irons into the greens. He looks to emulate Rory McIlroy who has won four majors by the age of 25 and he would like to follow in Rory’s footsteps.
He joined KeNako Academy to improve his golf and when interviewed Calvin said: “I think KeNako is the best academy. Roger is a great coach. He has changed my swing a lot and has helped me focus on the range. The hostel is fantastic – I have all the amenities I need and there is a family atmosphere”. Calvin is studying his Cambridge International Education IGCSE 1 level at Rundle College this year. His subjects include English, Maths, Business, Economics, Environmental Management and Afrikaans.
We are excited for Calvin and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this young player.