Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Perth Nomads captain Terry Larkan says the apple did fall a long way from the tree when it comes to his golfing prowess.
“My father was a single figure handicap golfer, captaining his club and managing junior provincial teams,’’ Terry said.
“I was – and am – a part–time hacker; unlike my brother, son and nephew who have all been single–figure golfers. Two of them occasionally have had a + in front of their handicaps. So, genetics do not help my golf game!’’
In 1998 Terry packed up his young family and moved to Perth.
“I had worked outside of South Africa since 1987 for a big mining house,’’ he recalls.
“In 1998 I did an engineering technical tour to look at redesigning commercial work practices. The last stop before returning to Africa was Perth.
“It exceeded my expectations and I decided to move the family while the offspring were still young. Since settling in Perth I have spent over three years in each of Canada and Great Britain.
“Having lived in six countries I have had the privilege of walking, driving and losing balls around some great courses in some exotic locations – from the most manicured greens, to oil sand greens, and on occasion greens with no actual holes /cups!’’
Introduced to Nomads by shameless lifelong friend Mark Howard-Browne, Terry says that Nomads is good for his soul.
“From a really selfish point of view, the Nomads activities and interactions with the members on the course and after the game are good for the soul. You cannot help but feel good, even considering the golf, with the experience of having a laugh, banter and then knowing you are contributing to charity and providing some assistance to young people who can actually play golf!’’
His current Nomads handicap is 20, but it has been as low as 15.
Terry says that he hopes his tenure as captain of Perth Nomads is about helping to re-build some of the club’s culture.
“Perth has had a few challenges and over the past two years has been rebuilding the good camaraderie and enjoyment that was evident when I joined,’’ he said.
“I am aiming to continue that trend while adding to member numbers who really participate in the club activities.
“We have a great pipeline of leaders on the committee who are ably assisted by some of the old hands, all well aligned to the betterment of the enjoyment of our members as we address our other goals around charity and furtherance of golf.’’
As anyone who has lived in Perth knows, residents have one decision to make. Are you an Eagles’ supporter or a Docker’s supporter?
“Jeez – really? Sharks, Bokke and anybody playing against England at anything,’’ Terry says. “If I must, Dockers, just because they are not the Perth establishment and started just before we got to Perth!’’