Glory awaits local amateur golfers in world final

Two Sasolburg golfers, Marius Jacobs and Pierre Heyneke shot their way to glory in the South African Qualifier and Final of the 22^nd World Amateur Golfers Championship. Amateur golfers from around the country came together at the Zwartkop Country Club in Pretoria in the world’s largest amateur golf tournament for their chance to represent Team SA in this year’s World Final in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 22 to 29 October. Marius, showcased a natural level of flair and technique, ensuring a commanding finish to secure his 1^st place spot in the 11 – 15 handicap group on a score of 65 net. While, Pierre was not without his own impressive display of skill and topped the 16 – 20 group on a 73 net.

On the first qualifying day, players arrived at the tee box determined to win a place on the team, resulting in a highly contested finish, with a number of count-out results making the difference. The field was whittled down with only the top four from each handicap group, namely 0 – 5, 6 – 10, 11 -15, 16 – 20, 21 – 25, making it into the South African Final. On day two, the Final swung into action as players readied themselves for some fierce competition. Familiarity with the playing conditions and course would ultimately prevail on the day, where the local golfers from the region took advantage of local knowledge to edge out the competition and fill the five top spots.

With the hunt for Team SA having come to a spectacular end, all eyes now look to the 22^nd World Amateur Golfers Championship Final, where the Team will have the opportunity to bring home the Championship Title and Trophy for the 3rd time in a row.

In his address to Team SA, Tournament spokesperson, Craig Clay-Smith paid tribute to Tourism Kwazulu-Natal for the incredible support they and the leadership of the province have given the event since it was first staged in Kwazulu-Natal in 2011. He stated although the Tournament was played last year in Turkey where conditions required it to return to SA for 2016, there could be no better place to play golf.

He went on to add that with a proven record in the past of being able to host this world-acclaimed amateur golfing event, coupled with our warm hospitality and the world-class golf courses in the host province of Kwazulu-Natal, the championship would once again be played under superb conditions with the added bonus of international players enjoying the unique tourism opportunities offered in the region.

World Amateur Golfers Championship tournament Stalwart, Master PGA Professional Dale Hayes was on hand to announce team SA and advised the players that the only rule was that it was compulsory for them to enjoy their golf. He concluded by congratulating the event owners in South Africa for continuing to keep the event alive and growing the game of golf in our country.