Symone Henriques - Golf chose her

Where are you currently ranked and what is your proudest golfing achievement to date?
I turned professional in December of 2024, after graduating college in the USA. I’m currently not ranked internationally but competing this year in a few Ladies European events and making the cut has given me the belief that I can compete and a sense of belonging.  I find it hard to pick out one exact moment throughout my golfing career; however, most recently it would be making the cut at my second LET event. Looking back at my career as a whole it would definitely be being able to represent South Africa internationally as a Protea. Hopefully as this transition into professional golf continues, I get to achieve the same on a professional level.

What advice would you give aspiring young golfers who want to make a profession of golf?
I would tell them to fall in love with the process, forget the result. Consistency is the most valuable skill in golf. Everyone always focuses on practice and process to be perfect, when instead they should focus on practice and process to be permanent.

How did your upbringing shape who you are now?
My family played a massive role teaching me resilience, respect, hard work and how important it is to show up for those you love. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my family. Every step of my journey they’ve supported me through great times and most importantly through my struggles. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my upbringing.

How old were you when you started playing golf, and what drew you to the sport?
I was 6 years old, in Grade One. One day at aftercare we had a golf academy come to school for an extra mural activity. I hit a couple balls off a mat to a flag and the rest is history. I always felt like I did not choose golf but golf chose me. I think what drew and still draws me to the sport is that golf is a sport that is constantly evolving. You cannot sit around hoping talent will do all the work. Talent can only take you so far; golf is a game about consistency, patience and most importantly hard work.

How has your golf career progressed?
Throughout my golfing career I would like to believe I progressed and transformed through each phase. Whether it was working my way onto the Gauteng Provincial team, then national training squad and then ultimately earning my Protea colours and representing South Africa on the international stage while being lucky enough to reach number one in South Africa with my performance ranking (scoring average). I then got a scholarship to study and play golf overseas at Virginia Tech. All of these steps ultimately led to me turning professional a couple years ago and now I have the chance to live out my childhood dreams to hopefully compete all over the world on one of the biggest stages.

How did you feel when Investec approached you to be sponsored as a pro golfer?
At first it felt like a blur, being out on the circuit for only two years. I learnt very quickly how difficult professional golf is financially as well as mentally, competing against some of the best players in South Africa and all over the world. Therefore being able to represent a brand such as Investec, who are a driving force in the development of women’s golf, is a dream.

What do you believe can be achieved in the South African women’s golfing fraternity through Investec’s sponsorship of the South African Women’s Open?
Investec’s sponsorship of the South African Women’s Open plays a significant role in growing women’s golf in South Africa by increasing visibility, creating more opportunities for female golfers such as myself, and inspiring the next generation of young girls to pursue the sport. It helps elevate the standard and profile of women’s golf while showing the value of investing in female athletes and their future.

What or whom do you draw on to remain positive and get through adversity, on and off the golf course?
Definitely my parents and sister. They have encouraged me throughout both my amateur and professional career to believe in myself and my abilities. Whether it was golf, completing my degree, or navigating life’s smaller challenges, they have always been there to ground, support, and motivate me. Their unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward and strive to be the best version of myself.

What’s the one improvement or change that you would like to make to the game of golf?
I would like to be more present with the mental aspect of the game. I think at the level I’m at now I’ve realised that we can all do the technical side of the game really well; however, it is the thirty centimeters between our ears that is the most important aspect.

How do you keep a healthy balance between your personal life and your career?
Once again, I believe my family and friends play a huge role in keeping me balanced and making sure I take some time to enjoy other aspects of life which aren’t golf related. Whether that be just going out for coffees, lunches or spending time with my family and godson.