Burnand has bad luck at SA open champs
This follows his impressive performances in recent tournaments.
Ekurhuleni golfer Jordan Burnand missed the cut at the 113th Investec South African Open Championships last weekend.
Burnand rallied with a one-under-par 71 after an opening 80 in Lanseria. The performance follows his impressive performances in tournaments in Argentina last month.
The trophy presentation saw Altin van der Merwe take his place alongside 2023 champion Dean Burmester during the presentation ceremony, excited to receive the Freddie Tait Cup as the leading amateur in the 113th Investec SA Open Championship.
State Mines Country Club’s Casey Jarvis previously won the Freddie Tait Cup.
Van der Merwe wrapped up the award by Friday evening, emerging as the sole amateur to make the 36-hole cut at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate in Centurion, and weekend rounds of 73 and 74 saw him finish in a tie for 57th.
“I’ve had a blast,” said Van der Merwe after completing his final round. I knew when coming here that it would be a tough week. I played pretty solidly.
“I left a couple out there, but I also had some great moments, like the 30m eagle putt on the 18th on moving day. It’s been a dream week, and I am taking much more away than just the Freddie Tait Cup win.”
Van der Merwe’s first taste of professional golf on the DP World Tour has been an eye-opening experience for the man ranked No 1 on the GolfRSA amateur ranking.
“I’d love to know what other courses are like on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour because I have never played anything this tough or this long,” he said.
“Every aspect from tee to green is tougher and longer, and it was really stressful, even though the professionals have all been good to me.”
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The Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation member also made his debut alongside world No 1 Christo Lamprecht and Christiaan Maas in the Eisenhower Trophy in Abu Dhabi in October, where the trio finished seventh, recording SA’s best finish in the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship since 1982.
Now his name will be etched on the trophy below those of major champions Bobby Locke, Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman, and some other legends of the game who went on to win the South African Open, including Dale Hayes, Tony Johnstone, Hennie Otto, Branden Grace and Brandon Stone.
“It’s ridiculous to think that, five days ago, I didn’t even know what the Freddie Tait Cup was. What an incredible honour it is to join some of the game’s greats,” he said.
“This year has been a wild ride, and I am so grateful to GolfRSA for giving me so many opportunities to improve and advance my career and to the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation for all their support.
“I also have to give the crowds this week a shout-out. I had an absolute blast playing in front of the fans; they were amazing and incredibly supportive.”
