'Truly growing the game': Roger Sali

With Instagram videos viewed by millions, a Ugandan golf sensation hopes to build a base for his compatriots to play the game for free.

Kawuki Rogers aka Roger Sali, otherwise known as @saligolfs, caddies full time in the Kampala area next to Lake Victoria to support his mother, two younger sisters and two younger brothers, earning $3 per round.

The 26-year-old only has Tuesdays off when he visits schools to spread the love of golf as seen in viral videos earlier this year, and with money hard to come by it’s a hard road.

“I don’t have much money, but with the money I make being a caddie I will buy a Coca-Cola 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. 

In an interview with Shane Bacon on the Get a Grip podcast he added: “It’s expensive with the travelling and giving gifts to kids, that’s the challenge I face.

“I want to build a range where people can come and hit balls and rent clubs for free, and I could help coach people for free too.”

In the meantime, the self-taught three-handicapper will continue visiting schools weekly where he shows kids and adults alike putting skills and gives out money to some lucky youngsters.

“90% of our community think golf is something for the rich people, so therefore they can’t play golf.

"I want to keep travelling to different places and share the game like this."

Roger's efforts have drawn praise and recognition from South African nine-time major champion Gary Player on Twitter.

Follow Roger's quest to introduce the game to African schoolchildren: @saligolfs