Sunshine Tour takes on White River, rookie wins first title
The Gary and Vivienne Player Challenge allowed golfers from all corners of the country and even some international talents to practise their putts and warm up their irons ahead of the Sunshine Tour's main events.
White River Country Club hosted some of the country’s best golfers for the Gary and Vivienne Player Challenge from August 30 to September 1.
It formed part of the series of build-up events leading up to the distinguished tournaments part of the prestige Sunshine Tour.
The Sunshine Tour mentioned in a press release prior to the Gary and Vivienne Player Challenge that with the event, they aim to pay tribute to the legacy of the retired South African pro-golfer, Player himself, who won two Sunshine Tour titles in his glory days, too.
The tournament got off to a flying start, and the golfers played some highly competitive games.
A consistent performance by the rookie, Gerhard Pepler (23), paid off for him in the end as he came from four strokes behind on the last day of the tournament to claim a famous victory and his maiden win on the tour.
Pepler tallied 66 in his first, second and third round of the three-day-long event and ended the competition with 15 under par, winning by two.
“It’s a dream come true to win in my rookie season, but it feels unreal as well, like I’m going to wake up. Of course now I can look forward to playing at the Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at the Lost City as well. For any South African golfer growing up, it’s always about Mr Player, and it’s amazing what he has done for our golf; he’s the reason this all happens,” he said after lifting the trophy above his head and popping the champagne.
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Pepler’s winning performance started off with a birdie on the par-five first hole, and an eagle on the par-five seventh hole saw him turn in 32. His back nine included three birdies and three bogeys, but also a crucial eagle on the 16th. A birdie on the 17th hole allowed the youngster some breathing room.
Pepler sunk a marvellous 10-foot putt on the closing hole to seal the deal.
James Hart du Preez and the seasoned Hennie Otto also played a good final round and tied for second, both with 13 under par.
The former SA amateur champion, Kyle de Beer, who led for the first two rounds of the tournament, started his final round just as strong with two birdies dropping for him in the first seven holes. The holes after that, however, got the best of him and he ended his tournament with 12 under par.
Without a doubt, the greens of White River Country Club were treated to some of the best golf it has seen this year.
