Montco Resident Honored As First PGA Member Ever From Zambia

AMBLER, PA — Golfer and Ambler resident Vincent Kabaso has become the first PGA (Professional Golf Association) member ever from the nation of Zambia.

The African nation lies just west of Mozambique and Tanzania, and just south of the Congo. The country of around 17 million has just 25 golf courses, the PGA said.

"The qualifications for becoming a PGA Member, in both the classroom and on the golf course, are not easy," said Geoff Surrette, the executive director of Philadelphia's section fo the PGA. "Vincent’s passion for the game and the business of golf drove him to overcome great odds, while leaving his family and country, in pursuit of his goal."

PGA of America has 41 different sections around the nation, composed of golf professionals who serve as the "voice and face" of golf.

Kabaso grew up in the small Zambia mining town of Luanshya, where he grew up playing on a local course that happened to be nearby. After graduating high school in 2004, he earned a series of grants to study golf and sports science abroad, in England and Scotland, the PGA said.

Returning back to Zambia, Kabaso managed a golf course while opening a "first of its kind" junior golf academy. He also served as a coach and mentor to the Zambia national golf team.

Kabaso wrote a book, "How The World Raise Me," and started a foundation called "Raised by the World" which connects Zambia university students to local community organizations and schools through golf.

Though Kabaso loves his current position as a PGA professional at Talamore Country Club, he says he missed his home. He lives with his wife, Hannah, and baby daughter, JoAnna Zawadi.

"He sacrificed a lot and is truly a trailblazer," Surrette added. "(He stands) as 1 among 17 million."

Image via Philadelphia PGA