The number one ranked junior golfer in the country Jayden Schaper made a welcome return to the winner’s circle when he claimed the Nomads North and South title on August 16.
The Ebotse Links golfer ended a 12-month winning drought on the national circuit on a dramatic final day at Country Club Johannesburg, showing all his experience under pressure as he held off a charging Cole Stevens with a five-under-par 67 to triumph on 15-under 201.
The first junior to capture all five Nomads SA Boys titles with his double whammy in the u-19 Stroke Play and Match Play Championships, Schaper dominated the rankings for the better part of 2017.
The 16-year-old GolfRSA National Squad member hit a dry spell after his Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series win last October but showed glimpses of a return to form with victories in the Fancourt and Ebotse club championships.
Schaper played himself into a three-way tie for the lead with rounds of 68 and 66 at the Rocklands Course and headed into the final round on 10-under alongside Stevens and recent Africa Junior Open champion Casey Jarvis.
The Morehill resident overturned a bogey at the second with three consecutive birdies from the third to race clear of his co-leaders and never looked back, despite valiant efforts Central Gauteng pair Stevens and Kian Rose.
Schaper was pleased to hit form before he departs for the United States to compete in the Junior Players Championship at the famous TPC Sawgrass.
He is one of 78 top juniors from all over the world to be invited to this prestigious tournament.
“I’ve got great memories of that event because I made birdie at the last hole last year to make the International Team for the Junior Presidents Cup,” he said.
“I didn’t have great results during the GolfRSA National Squad Tour to the UK, but I came back with so much experience,” said Schaper.
“I learned a lot about myself and highlighting the things I needed to work on.
“I’ve put in some hard work in the last month and it’s really pleasing to see it pay off like this.”
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