27-year-old Roger Sali is working incredibly hard to develop golf in Uganda. Sali does not command much respect in the world of golf (yet), but his mission is noble enough.
On the PGA Tour last night, a documentary about his up-to-date journey made its debut.
In the 15:58 minutes video, Sali narrated that he got into the game after looking for work as a caddy at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa after losing his father. He needed to support his family.
“I got the job but I didn’t know anything about golf,” said Sali.
However, he narrated that he was more than willing to learn on the job.
“I watch videos on YouTube and Instagram of great golfers, and then try to emulate them on my own. I don’t even need to use a ball; I will visualize it when I do have a ball and club, I can do it. That is how I am learning; those players are my teachers,” he said.
In 2020, Sali began practicing and quickly fell in love with golf. He became a low-handicap player.
“If you are doing something that you like, you will learn that thing quickly and that is what happened with me and the game of golf. I love it,” he said.
Though he is yet to hit the pinnacle of where he dreams to be, Sali is already a “golf teacher” in the community. According to Sali, there are a lot of people that love golf but only lack exposure.
“Most people in Uganda think of golf as a sport for the rich and when I started my Instagram page my goal was to expose and redefine the sport in the eyes of my countrymen and have it be recognized as a game that anyone can play and enjoy,” Sali said.
On his one day off every week, using his own resources, he goes into local schools and communities and teaches kids the game.
“I don’t have much money, but with the money I make being a caddie, I will buy sodas for kids in the village to make their day, and then I will play a little golf right there to show them how much fun it can be and that they too can play,” he said.