South African Disc Golf champions crowned

KYALAMI – This years Disc Golf Championship title was taken by Alex Meulenbeld with a score of 6 under par at the Inanda Country Base.

September 22, 2021

Content Provided 1 minute read

Title winners of the 2021 Disc Golf Championship tournament Alex Meulenbeld (men's champion), Rebekah Botes (women's champion) and Matthew Malpage (B-division winner) stand together at Inanda Country Base. Photo: Rawmotive Photography SA

New South Africa Disc Golf Champions were crowned on September 4 at the Inanda Country Base.

The 2021 South African Open Disc Golf Championship was played over two rounds of 16 holes on the tough Inanda Disc Golf Course, under difficult hot and windy conditions. A total of 26 players participated including players from Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and overseas.

Devin Norman tees off at the 2021 Disc Golf Championship. Photo: Rawmotive Photography SA

The chairman of Disc Golf South Africa, Bart Meulenbeld, said that in the men’s B division, victory was convincingly claimed by Dunvegan resident Matthew Malpage on a score of 7 over par, beating Mike Christensen from Fourways into second place on +13, with Michael Crossland (Modderfontein) third on +18.

Women’s champion Rebekah Botes is excited to receive her trophy at this year’s Disc Golf Championship tournament. Photo: Rawmotive Photography SA

“In the ladies division, Sandringham resident Rebekah Botes claimed her maiden SA Ladies Open title with a score of 15 over par, with Hannah Eppel in second place on +23.”

Women’s champion Rebekah Botes tees off to secure the championship title at the 2021 Disc Golf Championship. Photo: Rawmotive Photography SA

In the men’s open division, victory – and the status of SA Disc Golf Champion – went to local Kyalami resident Alex Meulenbeld, with a score of 6 under par. Second place went to Parktown resident Devin Norman on 4 under, and third place was a tie between Brad Smith, from Alberton, and Kelly Leggette, of the USA, on 1 over par.

Men’s B-division winner Matthew Malpage takes this year’s big win in the B division at the Inanda Country Base. Photo: Rawmotive Photography SA

“The level of play was outstanding throughout, highlights of the day being an ace (hole in one) recorded by Garick van Staden, from Centurion, and an eagle by Mike Christensen.”

2021 Disc Golf Championship winner Alex Meulenbeld (men’s champion) shows off his trophy at the Inanda Country Base. Photo: Rawmotive Photography SA

Bart concluded, “We had a fantastic turnout for the tournament and the atmosphere was amazing. Disc golf continues to grow in South Africa and is the ideal sport to be played under Covid-19 restrictions, being played out in the open with natural social distancing. We invite everyone to come to give it a try.”

Chris Walley tees off with a sidearm at the 2021 Disc Golf Championship at the Inanda Country Base. INSET: Women’s champion Rebekah Botes is excited to receive her trophy at this year’s tournament. Photos: Rawmotive Photography SA

Disc golf is one of the world’s fastest-growing outdoor sports and can be played from about age 10 upwards. According to Bart, the rules were similar to those of regular golf, but instead of a golf club and balls, special flying discs similar to frisbees were used, with the target being a metal chained ‘basket’.