Johan Immelman nurtures his sons’ golf aspirations into a major legacy

Johan Immelman (Golfweek/Tracy Wilcox) Editor’s note: This story originally ran in the June 13 issue of Golfweek.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Trevor Immelman was 6 years old when he marched into his family’s living room in Somerset West, South Africa, and announced to his parents that he was going to be one of the best golfers in the world.

There is something adorable, nay, precious, about the audacity of youth, but Johan Immelman firmly believed in the importance of listening to his children.

“Even now, as a young parent, he advises me, ‘If your child comes home and wants to dissect frogs, don’t send her to piano lessons,’ ” oldest son Mark said.

In the aftermath of Trevor’s bold declaration, Johan turned…