Second major title for Polokwane golfer, Neil

POLOKWANE-Neil Rathmann from the Polokwane Golf Club was announced as the winner of the 2023 Limpopo Mid Amateur tournament, hosted at the c on Saturday.

The event was played in a strokeplay format and the veteran golfer beat 69 golfers on the day to win the event on 72.

This is the second major title for Rathmann, after winning the Soutpansberg Golf Open title in February at the Soutpansberg Golf Club in Louis Trichardt.

JP Ellis, chief operations manager at the Limpopo Golf Union said Rathmann showed his qualities and experience on the day.

“We haven’t had a player from the province winning the event in a long time, and Rathmann broke that cycle. He is a superb player, with lots of experience and a member of our committee. We had golfers from various clubs in the country and it is good to see a golfer from Polokwane winning the title.”

Rathmann said the feat will propel him to perform better in other golfing events lined up for this year.

“It feels good to have won the title. I competed against top golfers on the day and still managed to lift the trophy. It is one of my greatest achievements and I am happy to keep the trophy at home.”

He says he could have chosen any sporting code as a teenager but that golf stole his admiration.

“My parents introduced me to golf when I was six years old and since then I have never looked back. I enjoy every match, be it social or competition. It has taught me discipline, honesty and integrity. Those are the things that make a great golfer and I am happy to be a golfer, I love every moment on the green.”

He is currently preparing for the inter-provincial Mid Amateur event in Johannesburg in September.

“I want to do well in that event. First I am going to the Comrades Marathon this week, to support my wife who will be running. After that, I will start with the preparations.”

The Polokwane Golf Club congratulated Rathmann on his achievement and for flying the club’s flag high.