Ridel Doekoe: Golf Journey in Suriname
Where Passion Meets the Perfect Swing
In the lush landscapes of Suriname, where the tropical sun kisses the emerald fairways, Ridel Doekoe stands as a beacon of golf excellence. His journey from a curious teenager to a respected coach is a testament to the transformative power of sport.
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.”
— Arnold Palmer
Ridel discovered golf at 14 when he stumbled upon an old club at a local market. What began as curiosity soon became an obsession. “The first time I hit a clean shot,” he recalls, “it felt like magic. The ball soared against the blue sky, and I was hooked.”
The Art of the Swing
Doekoe’s teaching philosophy centers on rhythm and balance. “A good swing isn’t forced,” he explains. “It’s like dancing – your body finds its natural flow.” His students learn that golf is as much about mental focus as physical technique.
“No matter how good you get you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.”
— Tiger Woods
At his academy near Paramaribo, Doekoe blends traditional techniques with innovative training methods. Using locally-sourced materials, he creates practice tools that make learning accessible to all.
Golf as Life Lesson
Beyond the fairways, Doekoe teaches valuable life skills. “Golf mirrors life,” he says. “You face challenges, make decisions, and learn from every shot. It teaches patience, honesty, and resilience.”
“Wan pikin futu e koti a kaw a wroko.”
— Sranan Tongo Proverb (Small steps accomplish big work)
His students range from eager children to retired professionals, all united by their love for the game. “I’ve seen shy kids blossom into confident young adults through golf,” Doekoe shares proudly.
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Book a Lesson TodayCaribbean Golf Renaissance
Doekoe is at the forefront of a golf renaissance in the Caribbean. “Our region has perfect golf weather year-round,” he notes. “With proper investment, Suriname could become a golf destination.”
“The most important shot in golf is the next one.”
— Ben Hogan
He dreams of developing championship courses that showcase Suriname’s natural beauty while creating economic opportunities. “Imagine courses winding through rainforests, alongside rivers,” he envisions.
The Mental Game
Doekoe emphasizes the psychological aspect of golf. “Your mind is your most powerful club,” he teaches. Students learn visualization techniques and mindfulness practices to enhance focus.
“I never learned anything from a match that I won.”
— Bobby Jones
His unique approach combines golf fundamentals with Caribbean wisdom. “We have a saying: ‘Slow water runs deep.’ It reminds us that calm focus yields the best results,” he explains.
Community Impact
Beyond coaching, Doekoe runs outreach programs introducing golf to underserved communities. “Golf shouldn’t be an elite sport,” he insists. “Every child deserves the chance to experience its magic.”
“Denki na bun, ma leri moro bun.”
— Sranan Tongo Proverb (Talent is good, but learning is better)
His initiatives have introduced hundreds of young Surinamese to golf, with several showing national tournament potential. “Talent is everywhere,” Doekoe believes. “Opportunity is what’s rare.”
