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The Rhodesia Herald, 31 August 1977
NICKY Price, a leading Rhodesian amateur golfer has decided to turn professional and has applied to join the South African PGA.

“It is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Nicky said yesterday, “I have just been waiting to complete my national service and now that’s over, I’ve decided to go ahead.

“I have played a lot of golf as an amateur and have a good idea what the life of a tournament professional is like. I know it’s tough, but I’m ready for it.

“I have always modelled my game on the same lines as a professional and tried to think like a professional on the golf course. With good friends on the South African circuit, I hope to enjoy it.”

Nicky is the second leading Rhodesian amateur to turn professional this year.

George Harvey took up the post of professional at Warren Hills in April.

Price does not intend to become a club pro, not at this stage anyway.

He is 20-years-old and keen to get on the circuit starting with the South African tour this year where he will join Simon Hobday, Muss Gammon and Harvey.

He intends to play in all the tournaments including the Victoria Falls Classic at Elephant Hills and the Rhodesian Dunlop at Chapman.

South African businessman and well-known promoter of the game George Blumberg has agreed to give Nicky a helping hand.

Blumberg who has long been associated with Gary Player and given assistance to Bobby Cole and  Dale Hayes, talked to Nicky after the South African Amateur.

“He asked me what my plans were,” said Nicky, “and agreed to help out. We have no contract or anything, but I think he will take some of the pressure off me.”

Nicky has had a great innings as an amateur and done most of the things he wanted to do including qualifying for the British Open.

1974 was a big year for him, when he won the World Junior title, the South African Slazenger junior title and the Glen Anile has represented Rhodesia several times and played in the Eisenhower Trophy.

RGU president Mr Doug Pechey said yesterday Nicky would be greatly missed as an amateur.

“But we wish him all the best for his future.”

LESSONS FOR TODAY
Nicky Price was named by FBC as a golfer par excellence and a great sporting ambassador for Zimbabwe.

After turning professional he went on to conquer the world, and at one time he became the world number one ranked professional golfer.

Although golf remains popular even among some women, it has not developed well enough to produce another professional of Price’s calibre.

Golf also remains an elitist sport played by people with money and class.

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