Golfers tee off in Germiston
Sandton amateur Luke Brown carded a stunning nine-under-par 63 in the opening round of the IGT Challenge Tour, at Germiston Country Club.
Since the IGT Challenge Tour launched in 2010, it has grown into South Africa’s premier golf development circuit that offers a tailor-made gateway for amateurs aspiring to join the professional ranks.
The challenge enables members and non-members to perform at a high level in a strong competitive environment.
The tour is recognised as a feeder circuit for the Sunshine Tour and provides significant financial opportunities, incentives and statistical feedback with a full playing schedule of 36-hole, 54-hole and 72-hole tournaments.
The annual schedule also includes a series of events at the end of the season geared at preparing prospective amateurs and young professionals for the gruelling stages of Qualifying School.
Last Monday, October 30, golfers tackled the Germiston Golf Club in the IGT Challenge Tour’s fourth Race to Q-School.
Sandton amateur Luke Brown carded a stunning nine-under-par 63 in the opening round to take pole position.
Playing the course blind, the 19-year-old took advantage of the sunny morning conditions to open up a four shot lead over rookie Zabastian de Jager.
Kyle Lucas was five off the pace, while Korea’s Eric Park shared fourth on three under with rookie Peetie van der Merwe and South Africa’s number one ranked amateur Kyle McClatchie.
Brown hit 16 greens in regulation as he went around the par-72 layout in clinical fashion.
He produced six birdies on the front loop and, despite a three-putt bogey at 10, maintained the momentum with four more gains on the back nine.
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The teenager was over the moon with his score.
“If you’d had offered me seven under at the start of the day I would have ripped your hand off,” he said.
“Even though we had placing and it won’t be official, it was one shot better than the course record, and two shots better than my previous best at Ruimsig Country Club during the scratch league final two years ago.
“I’ve never played this course before and perhaps that’s why I played it so well.
“I just played the course hole by hole, shot for shot and my ball striking was on point and I putted very well,” he said.
The 2017 season has been a baptism of fire for Brown.
After matriculating from Bryanston High School last year, he began campaigning on the country’s premier golf development tour in January, but his lack of experience showed.
“I used to play the junior amateur circuit in the school holidays, but I didn’t compete on the national amateur circuit once I started high school,” he said.
“I battled at the start, but I’ve definitely improved as I’ve gained experience and I’ve finished in the money six times in 12 starts since April, including the last two events.
“I played the Ekurhuleni Open in Benoni last month and I was stoked to tie for 13th,” Brown said.
Spurred on by fellow Central Gauteng amateur Cameron Moralee, who became the fifth amateur winner this season in last week’s third Race to Q-School title at Ruimsig Country Club, Brown is hopeful of a maiden victory but trying to keep a level head.
The next round will be held at Centurion Country Club on November 6.
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