Not even P91 crime scene stops golfer from lifting the trophy

Not even an accident and a crime scene on the P91 on Wednesday last week could prevent Benoni golfer Pieter Moolman winning the 12th event in the IGT Challenge Tour’s Race to Q-School.

Moolman and girlfriend Jeanine Wolvaardt stopped to help a disorientated victim in a car accident to safety near her home in Kempton Park.

The pair had barely driven a kilometre before they ran into the road closure near Esselen Park. The road was closed for several hours following the discovery of a retired policeman’s body in his car next to the road.

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• Body of ex-policeman found in his car on the P91

Moolman had to double back to find an alternative route to Centurion. But the Good Samaritan made it to his 8.30am tee-off time with 10 minutes to spare and sounded a loud warning when he parked a five-iron approach three feet from the hole at the first and boxed the putt for an eagle start.

Moolman finished just as strongly with four birdies on the trot from the par-five 15th to close out a three-stroke victory on 17-under 199 with a final round 65.

“After the start to the day, I didn’t expect to be holding the trophy,” said the 26-year-old Lake Club Benoni golfer.

“I am over the moon.

“Last year I came close twice but lost out over the closing holes. After I slipped back in the middle of the round, I just told myself it’s not happening again and I put my head down and got it done.

“Jeanine and I were just three kilometres from her house when we watched an oncoming car hit the car in front of us. We helped the driver out of the car, but we only got about a kilometre when we ran into a roadblock for a crime scene.

“I had about 10 minutes left to get my shoes on and I managed five putts to warm up before I had to be on the tee. I think the adrenaline was still pumping when I hit that first tee shot. To be honest, the eagle didn’t do much to calm me down but it definitely set me up for the win.”

Moolman carried a two-shot lead into the final round over Pretoria rookie Albert Venter and Sean Bradley from the Western Province.

“Once I got the lead, I knew this was my chance. I thought about the close calls at The Els Club Copperleaf and Pecanwood. I knew I had to make some birdies to win.

“I’ve felt for a while that my game is at the best level its ever been and it’s such a gratifying thing to see all the hard work over the last year finally pay off. It’s great to be able to pay back everyone who has supported me with this victory.”