Retief Waltman

Retief Waltman (born 1938–39) is a former South African professional golfer and is a Christian missionary.

Professional career Waltman started his career as an assistant professional Pretoria Country Club. He showed promise as a teenager and, at the age of 18, beat Bobby Locke in the first round of the 1957 South African Professional Match Play Championship. His victory was referred to as "one of the greatest surprises in South African golf for several years." Two years later he would win the event again by shot over colored golfer Sewsunker Sewgolum. In addition to these triumphs he won multiple other events on the South African circuit and the 1963 Dutch Open.

Missionary work Waltman was considered a "potential superstar" but abruptly quit golf at the age of 25 after completing the 1964 Masters Tournament. The golf commentator Henry Longhurst elaborated, "Gradually the sheer materialism of this form of life and the unceasing emphasis on money began to sicken him, as it must have done so many before him. The difference was that he did not threaten to give it up. He just gave it up." He became a Christian missionary. As of 2006, he was still a missionary. He survived three knife attacks during his work.

Personal life The future professional golfer Retief Goosen is named after Waltman.

Professional wins South African circuit wins (5) 1958 Cock of the North 1961 South African Open 1963 South African Open, Transvaal Open 1964 Western Province Open

European circuit win (1) 1963 Dutch Open

Team appearances Canada Cup (representing South Africa): 1961, 1963