World No.39 Christiaan Bezuidenhout will for a second time fly the flag for South Africa in the men’s golf competition at the Olympic Games in Paris from August 1-4, alongside countryman Erik van Rooyen. Their names were announced alongside the other 58 qualifiers at the conclusion of the rankings cut-off on June 18. 

Christiaan, who with 11 top-25 finishes already in 2024 is enjoying his best season to date on the PGA TOUR, posted on social media shortly after the official announcement: “I’m so proud to be representing South Africa at the Olympics in Paris. It’s hard to put into words how amazing it was playing for my country at the last Olympics in Tokyo. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I can honestly say it was one of the coolest experiences of my career. I can’t wait to get to Paris and experience that buzz again. It’s going to be an incredible week and hopefully I can bring back a medal for South Africa.”

Golf was re-introduced to the Olympics in 2016 after an absence of more than 100 years and it was in fact the seventh most popular sport in Rio. Notably, it was watched by a younger, more gender-neutral audience than that generally achieved for professional golf events. Fan engagement at the Olympics in Tokyo, where Christiaan finished tied-16th after rounds of 68, 70, 68 and 67, was similarly impressive and diverse. 

Naturally, Christiaan and Erik will have a whole nation behind them in Paris, but in Christiaan’s case, also a global community of people who stutter. As has been widely reported, Christiaan has been affected by a stutter since childhood. His openness in discussing the condition, allied to his role as an ambassador for the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research, has helped generate a good deal of awareness for the life challenges that stuttering can bring.

Speaking on behalf of the the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research, Dr. Courtney T. Byrd, Founding & Executive Director at the Center, commented: “Our hearts are overwhelmed with excitement for Christiaan. He is an inspiration to every child, teen, and adult worldwide who stutters and an embodiment of our slogan ‘Dream. Speak. Live.’. His life’s journey, and unwavering perseverance is a reminder to all that stuttering cannot stop you from pursuing your dreams, stuttering cannot stop you from speaking all the words you want to say, and stuttering cannot stop you from living life to the fullest. He is a true champion of our cause and is helping us to change lives every day. We can’t wait to cheer him on in Paris.”

For more information on the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research and the work they do, visit the website: https://blankcenterforstuttering.org/

Follow Christiaan on Instagram @cbezgolf.