Prodigal golfing son of Tembisa makes comeback with a win
Jaco was crowned as the 2018 Ebuhleni Open Champion much to the glee of all in attendance during the prize-giving.
Ayanda Jaco of Isiziba Section made a dramatic return to golf on October 7 when he fired loops of 32 and 34 to end on a total of 66 and conquered not only the Ebuhleni layout but the entire field of golfers.
Jaco was one of the most promising protégés of Tembisa Golf Club’s development programme who took part in this lucrative top of the table Ebuhleni Open Championships.
This young lad was groomed to be the next Gary Player but unfortunately disappeared from the golfing scenes much to the disappointment of many in the club who knew how talented Jaco is.
It, therefore, came as no surprise as within a few months of his return to the game he already has something to show in only his first major event for 2018.
His win and his return to the game, which ironically coincided with Tiger Woods’ return to winning ways after clinching the Tour Championship event on Sunday at East Lake Golf Club during the final event of the FedEx Cup play-offs, will hopefully make him realise how talented he is.
It is further hoped the inspiration he took from Woods will, this time around, assist in inspiring young golfers, thereby contributing towards growing golf in Tembisa.
George Mutubatse fired a 72 but as he is playing off a handicap of four that effectively gave him a net 68 which tied him with Ayanda as Ayanda’s 66 incurs a plus 2 thereby calling for a sudden death play-off.
Mutubatse decided to concede the play-off to Ayanda as he did not have his golf clubs with him by the time the play-off had commenced, and being a left-handed Phil Mickelson type of player, did not have the luxury of borrowing someone else’s golf clubs.
Therefore Jaco was crowned as the 2018 Ebuhleni Open Champion much to the glee of all in attendance during the prize-giving.
Third place went to Lebogang Letsoalo of Difateng Section who fired a 69.
Letsoalo is also a talented youngster who drives the golf ball long distances but hadn’t of late invested time into his golf.
Letsoalo, like many promising developing youngsters, epitomises the challenges the club still faces as resources in some instances are major setbacks when it comes to the club losing a grip on its promising young talent.
It is therefore hoped that once Ekurhuleni grants Kempton Park Country Club its lease, Ekurhuleni would have ensured Tembisa Golf Club is taken on board in the revenue streams where Kempton Park Country Club are concerned so township boys and girls can also have an opportunity to succeed.
Fourth place went to Chris Magabe who signed for a credible 70.
The scoring was quite brilliant given the windy conditions but it must be said that Magabe holds, among other accolades, the record for being the only player of colour to have gone into a play-off at Kempton Park Country Club during their club championship in the early ’90s.
He was beaten nevertheless on the first hole play-off but to have reached the play-off in an event which had the cream of the crop there, including Ernie Els’ brother and father, was a great achievement.
Defending champion and one of the early tournament favourites Frans Molepo hit the tough ninth green with his approach shot within one metre and slotted the putt for a birdie.
However, conditions proved to be a little tougher for him as he signed for a three-way tie on 71 with super veteran Reuben Motsomotso and Oupa Masokoameng of Rabie Ridge.
This trio was joint fifth.
Another veteran golfer, Emmanuel Maile from Kgatlamping Section, fired a 72 to be alone in the eighth spot.
The final prize went to four golfers who all fired 73 and shared the ninth-place prize: Joko Makhoba, Tenashe Nyika, Pat Maponya and Richard Nobela.
