Historic win for Williams at SA Senior Champs
The Modderfontein golfer not only had to claw his way back into contention but had to stave off a determined challenge
SOUTH Africa’s number one ranked Steve Williams (55) of Modderfontein became the first player in the country’s golfing history to hold both the senior national titles on the amateur and pro circuit concurrently after he closed out a wire-to-wire victory in the 28th Indwe Risk Services SA Senior Stroke Play Championship at Kyalami Country Club on Friday.
Williams outclassed the country’s leading professionals last year to become the first amateur winner of the SA Senior Open but he had a much tougher time of it to put his hands on the amateur circuit’s flagship trophy.
The Modderfontein golfer not only had to claw his way back into contention but had to stave off a determined challenge from home favourite Greg Gleeson and Stephen Rossiter from Krugersdorp to capture the title on three-over-par 219.
“This is a pretty special achievement and it means the world to me, especially after the way I had to fight to get the job done,” declared Williams after he edged out Rossiter and Gleeson by one stroke with a hard-fought for final round 74.
“It felt like trying to catch a rabbit. It was tough out there, because the harder I tried, the worse things got. The birdies at 13 and 15 reignited my title bid and I was able to push through for the win.
“After being the bridesmaid at every level in national amateur championships – from junior to mid-amateur – I really, really wanted to win this one. I guess it will take a while to sink in because I’ve wanted this for so long.”
“With four holes to play in the last round, I suddenly felt like I still had a chance and when I holed the birdie putt at 15 to edge into the lead, I felt the momentum shifting my way.”
Williams over-clubbed at 16 but saved par with a superb up-and-down and a two-putt par at 17 saw him head to the final hole with his one shot lead intact.
“When I heard Greg put it in the water at 18, I knew there was no need for heroics,” he said.
“I took a very cautious approach with a three-wood and five-iron down the fairway, chipped it to the middle of the green and two-putted for the win. It was such a great relief to get the job done and to finally lift the trophy at a national championship. That’s another huge box ticked.”
