Hat-trick win for the Roses
Two years ago, the Ekurhuleni juniors won the premier junior golf team championship title for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Ekurhuleni rose to the occasion to close out a hat-trick of titles at Oubaai Golf, Hotel and Spa at the South African u-19 inter-provincials on December 13.
Two-time defending champions Ekurhuleni laid down a marker and surged to the top of the log with a strong start against North West (9.5-2.5) and Central Gauteng (8-4) on day one.
After a closely fought battle with Western Province ended in a draw on day two, the Roses rallied on to keep their title defence on track with a decisive win against Gauteng North (8-4).
Jack Turton guided Ekurhuleni to the winner’s circle in East London in 2017 and again at Benoni Country Club last year. With Southern Cape, Central Gauteng and Western Province just two points back and still in with a shout, he had one message for his charges.
“Uncle Jack told us we had to beat Southern Cape and it would be tough because the guys would have the local support. We knew Central Gauteng and Western Province would come out guns blazing, so we had to keep fighting for that win,” said young skipper Warwick Purchase.
Central Gauteng had a clean sweep in their foursomes against Gauteng North, and Western Province led North West 2.5 – 1.5, but Ekurhuleni had the edge on Southern Cape, too.
“We led them 2.5-1.5 and I told them to fight for every point in the singles and to keep on fighting until our last putt dropped,” Turton said.
“I am incredibly proud of this team. Their determination and their will to succeed was amazing and I especially loved their team spirit and the way they supported each other, right up to the very end.”
The four rookies led the challenge in the singles. Christopher Bagnall at number 8 defeated Jay Nathwani 3 and 2 and Carel Tromp at number 6 ousted Ivan Verster 4 and 2 to take the team to 4.5 points.
“Giaconi Middel (1 and 3) and Grant Ferreira (1 and 2) had narrow losses, and it was down to our veterans to get the job done. And they really dug their heels in to get us the win,” said Turton.
“Yurav (Premlall) at number 2 was always up in his game, but the others were all down. Mujahid Jacobs put up a massive fight, but Yurav closed out a 2-up win to take us to 5.5 points. Then Warwick won the 15th hole and won it for us with a 2 and 1 result against Barend Botha.”
The rest of the team cheered on Ryan van Velzen, who downed James Murray 2 and 1, and number 1 Casey Jarvis, who defeated Southern Cape number 1 Damian Osner 1-up to seal an 8.5-3.5 victory for Ekurhuleni.
Technical adviser and assistant manager Rob van Velzen said the team’s preparation for the premier junior team event was key to their success.
