Back-to-back wins for Ekurhuleni u-19 golf squad
“I am incredibly proud of the team’s achievement and even prouder of the way they conducted themselves,” said manager Jack Turton.
It took them nearly 30 years to break a winning drought in the South African u-19 inter-provincial and Ekurhuleni wasn’t about to give the trophy back last year, especially not in their own back yard.
Ekurhuleni launched their title defence at Benoni Country Club with convincing victories over KwaZulu-Natal and Western Province on day one. They kept their foot on the pedal and North West, Gauteng North and Southern Cape fell next.
The next day the eight-man side defeated Central Gauteng to celebrate back-to-back victories with an unbeaten performance.
“I asked the boys to give me everything they had left and they delivered in terrific style,” said delighted manager Jack Turton.
Ekurhuleni led the foursomes 2.5-1.5 and wins from South Africa’s top-ranked Jayden Schaper, Yurav Premlall, Warwick Purchase and Saul Moss in the singles and that put the team in the driver’s seat against Central Gauteng.
Skipper Jordan Burnand, Ryan van Velzen and reigning Nomads SA Boys u-15 and u-17 champion Casey Jarvis halved their matches to make it official.
“We won the match against Central 8-4 to keep the trophy at home,” said Turton.
“These boys have played together for years now. Some might say it was the home course advantage, but I believe it was the team spirit that took us back to the winner’s circle. They truly play for each other and for the team.”
Schaper shared the Most Valuable Player’s honour with fellow Junior Presidents Cup team-mate Christo Lamprecht from Southern Cape on 11 points and Purchase was third with 10.5 points.
“Jayden, Warwick, Yurav and Ryan all finished in the top 10, and the rest of the team finished inside the top 22,” Turton said.
“I am incredibly proud of the team’s achievement and even prouder of the way they conducted themselves on and off the course. Their etiquette, sportsmanship and manners were exemplary and they truly are great ambassadors for Ekurhuleni Golf Union and GolfRSA.
