Born on 4 July 2007 in Walvis Bay, Kyle Johnson is a rising star on the Namibian golf scene. His journey began at a young age, and was inspired by his father, who introduced him to the sport. From tagging along to practice sessions to competing against his dad, golf quickly became a passion for young Johnson. His dedication and hard work have seen him progress from Tsumeb Golf Club to his current home at Walvis Bay Golf Club.

Despite facing challenges, including a recent shoulder injury, Johnson has remained focused on his goals. His breakthrough came earlier this year when he competed at the African Amateur tournament in South Africa, finishing 21st – a significant improvement from his 36th-place finish the previous year. 

This achievement fuelled his ambition to continue growing as a golfer. New Era sat with the young sportsperson to get an in-depth understanding of his golfing career.

Career achievements: Winning a major tournament at the age of eight.

Q:What sparked your interest in golf, and how did you get involved in the sport?

A:My interest started at a very young age. My dad used to play golf, and whenever he went for practice, he would take me along and show me what to do. That inspired me to start playing, and I kept practicing until I became a good player.

Q: Did you grow up in a family where sports, particularly golf, played a significant role? Were there any siblings or family members who shared a passion for sprinting, and did that influence your decision to pursue it as well?

A: Yes, my dad was a golf player, and I wanted to be just like him. His passion for the sport played a huge role in shaping my career. I would play against him at practice, which made the game even more exciting for me. Competing with him always motivated me to improve and become a better player.

Q: How do you perceive the current state of golf in Namibia? Are there aspects that you believe need attention or improvement to ensure continued growth and success by Namibian athletes on the international stage?

A: I am happy with the current state of golf in Namibia and believe we are moving in the right direction. However, we need more competitions and greater investment in the sport to ensure its development at the grassroots level and across all regions where golf can be played.

Q: How do you maintain a balance between physical training and mental preparation?

A: It’s been tough since I sustained a minor shoulder injury. My mental state has also been affected, making it hard to balance everything. I haven’t been able to do much physical training, so overall, it’s quite challenging, but I focus on preparing mentally.

Q: The year started off great for you, where you competed at the African Amateur Tournament in South Africa, finishing 21st. How did that motivate or boost your morale?

A: That was a huge motivation for me because last year, I finished 36th in the same tournament, but this year, I improved to 21st. That progress shows how much I’ve grown as a player. It felt great to compete against Africa’s best golfers.

Q: Playing at the African Amateur competition, how did that help you and what lessons did you pick up from the tournament?

A: I learned a lot from the tournament. One key lesson was that as a player, you won’t always emerge victorious as there will be good days and bad days. But the most important thing is to compete with passion and love for the game.

Q: What would you say is the difference between competing at the African Amateur Tournament and playing at home?

A: I think the main difference in playing at such a tournament is the level of competition and the quality of the course, which was much better than those we have at home. Other than that, I believe we are quite similar in many aspects.

Q: What are your ambitions for 2025 and beyond?

A: My ambition for 2025 and beyond is to complete my studies and further my education in either the United States of America or South Africa. Once there, I plan to continue advancing my studies while also growing as a golf player.