My time as a teenager obsessed with sport has run out, of course. I’m older but I still love sport. I wish I could have the chances I had again. It makes me nostalgic to think of chances missed. But I digress.

This morning I took one of the girls to the clubhouse (we’re staying at a golf resort, leaving tomorrow – which reminds me I need to play again before we go) for a drink and snack. Still early, there was a golf competition about to get under way. There must have been around 60-70 teenagers all warming up, practicing putting and looking very serious about the game ahead. My guess is it was a junior provincial tournament.

South Africans have very high standards for organising sport and youth in sport. There is so much for a child to do in SA compared to other countries, especially in Africa. This applies to most sports. As they grow up, my girls can surf, play soccer, netball, hockey, squash, swim, cycle, run, and have the facilities to do it for years and at a high level if they choose. This is unique in Africa.

The teenagers were funny to watch. There is a certain seriousness mixed with awkwardness that attaches itself to teenage sport. I remember it well.

They had a hot day well spent under the African Sun.