THERE aren’t too many golfers on the Sunshine Tour as relaxed, or laid-back, as Margate Country Club’s Andrew Curlewis. But even he got the heart rate up a bit when closing out victory at the Wild Waves Challenge at the Wild Coast Sun Country Club last week.
He came to the 18th hole with a two shot lead over Desvonde Botes and Titch Moore. But both birdied the hole, leaving Curlewis with a tricky little par putt to wrap up the win.
Curlewis, who recently celebrated his 30th birthday (August 19), snapped a six year victory drought on the Sunshine Tour with the win. He was 16 under par for the three rounds.
What was most impressive was that he made only one bogey in three rounds, where he dunked a tee shot in the dam on the 16th on day one. “It was a poor shot, a plain old hook,” he said. He hit the last 27 greens in regulation.
That’s some golf.
Curly, as he is best known, was followed around by a crowd of South Coasters, including his family, willing him on. He didn’t disappoint, carding 66 on day one and then a stunning 63 on day two.
At times in the past, he has started fast and then faltered somewhat. Not this time. He produced a flawless final round 65 to see off Botes and Moore.
In a classic Curly understatement, he said he “had hit it nicely” and that it was probably the best he had ever putted.
The win followed a second place finish at Langebaan in the Cape the week before, which was won by Jean Hugo, so he was coming into some form.
Curlewis said it was some of the best golf he had played in years. The win moves him to 21st on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit after 15 tournaments.
He was pleased to win a ‘home’ event and was now looking ahead to the tournaments at Parys and Mooinooi where he hopes to add to the collection.
