Local golfer makes SA team
The competition was fierce going into the second round, with a nail-biting final 18 holes to be played.
THE SA final of the 21st World Amateur Golfers’ Championship showcased an impressive display of amateur golf when the winners of the regional qualifying rounds battled it out for TEAM SA honours and the trip of a lifetime to the world final in Turkey from 28 November to 5 December.
In a step to boost golf tourism on the KZN South Coast, the SA final was supported by Tourism KZN and hosted at Selborne Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate, which opened its doors early to host the SA finals following recent major renovations under the new owners, First Resorts Management.
The first round teed off to wet conditions, following much-needed rainfall the night before. However, this did little to dampen the high spirits of the golfers, who ended the day on a tightly-contested finish in three out of the five handicap groups. The competition was fierce going into the second round, with a nail-biting final 18 holes to be played. Prevailing winds brought about an unexpected swing in events as the leaders fell back in the field and were overtaken by a strong contingent of golfers from the Western Cape.
In the 0-5 handicap group, Christian Cloete made a charge up the field to claim his team spot on a 144 nett finish. Dudley Rosier secured the 6-10 team place with his 145 nett finish. Also securing their trips to Turkey was Brian Felix in the 11-15 handicap group on 140 nett and Kani Pillay in the 16-20 flight on 151 nett.
The only woman in the final field and the only team member from KZN is Jeshika Ramsunder from Westville. She played a consistent game from tee-off to her final putt, which secured a victorious finish of 139 nett and her TEAM SA spot in the 21-25 handicap group.
As the twice-defending champions, Team SA will be tasked with bringing the trophy home when they put their skills to the test against more than 40 countries for the team title and individual handicap group trophies.
