North West takes SA Country Districts title on home greens

A terrific unbeaten four rounds of golf secured North West the A-section title at the 2018 SA Country Districts tournament held at the Potchefstroom Country Club from 14-18 May.

The hosts used their home-ground advantage to good effect with a challenging 7-5 victory on the final day (Friday, 18 May) against the second placed Kwa-Zulu Natal, who was also the defending champions.

North West’s golfers made a brilliant start on the front 9, but KZN stormed back on the back 9 to close the gap. In the end it was a little too late for the men in black as North West captain, Johan Krugel and his team celebrated victory with the A-division shield once again in their possession.

NW beat Limpopo 10-2, Free State 7-5, Mpumalanga 7-5 and KZN 7-5 as they finished on 8 points – three points clear of the second placed KZN.

North West also dominated the Most Valuable Player rankings in the A-section with Herman Anderson claiming first place. Anderson claimed 7 ½ for his team during the tournament. Christo Harmse was second with 6 ½  with Johan Kruger and Oliver Goldhill (both NW), Christopher Thorpe and Thomas Lovett (both KZN), and Ian Jacobs (Mpumalanga) on 6 points each in a tie for third place.

“Well done to my team tasking the title at home. I am really proud of you guys. A big thank you to everyone for the spirit and camaraderie that you showed. I also want to thank the NW president, Peet van Schalkwyk and Coenie Schoonhoven. It’s amazing to be part of the union who supports their players. All your commitment is really appreciated,” said Leon Bevan, the manager of the North West SA Country Districts Team.

In the B-section, Northern Cape claimed first place after a superb week of golf, as they beat Boland by two points to secure their progression to next year’s A-section. Mpumalanga will now join the B-section after finishing last in this year’s A-section.

The 2019 edition of the SA Country Districts will take place in Plettenberg Bay.

The North West team who are champions of the A-section: Johan Krugel, (kapt), Albert Britz, Christo Harmse, Rigaardt Albertse, Aldre Terblanche, Herman Anderson, Oliver Goldhill and Ray Janse van Rensburg. Manager: Leon Bevan.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar