The drive to succeed
By Mark Jenkin, The Reporter –
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Success in professional life and on the golf course have long gone hand in glove.
In Western nations, the sport has aways been seen as a friendly means for potential business partners to build trusty relationships.
With its rapidly developing business links, Ethiopia is now recognized as a nation with the drive to succeed.
And the country’s constant quest for improvement can be seen on the golf course too.
At the Addis Ababa Golf Club near the city’s old airport, the game is clearly on the rise. A neatly-kept nine-hole course, restaurant, clubhouse and hotel complex are testament to that.
Mesfin Gebermichael, the club’s vice-captain, witnessed the “huge” boom in golf during 30 years living in the United States. His interest became a passion after returning to his home country in 2011.
“I’m a new golfer,” Mesfin, who has a handicap of 21, says.
“When I went to business school, they told us the other thing we had to do, apart from getting a degree, was to go out and play golf.
“Golf has all the characteristics you want in a businessman. Your stance has to be there. Your focus has to be there. Confidence has to be there and most of all, you have to have vision for where you want the ball to go. If you implement all of those things, then you’re a good golfer.”
Read more at: The Reporter
