Local amateur golfer set to tee-off at World Final
Boksburg golfer Lionel Reddy joined the winners' circle at the South African Qualifier and final of the 22nd World Amateur Golfers Championship.
Amateur golfers from around the country came together in the world’s largest amateur golf tournament, for their chance to represent Team SA in this year’s world final, in Durban, from October 22 to 29.
Hot weather conditions, coupled with water hazards, taxing bunkers and some fierce competition set the scene at the Zwartkop Country Club.
Reddy, in the 21 to 25 handicap group, was able to navigate the course with some impressive techniques, to secure his place in Team SA with a well-earned 67 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 and 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, when 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 22nd World Amateur Golfers Championship Final, where the team will have the opportunity to bring home the championship title and trophy for the third 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 that, although the tournament was played in Turkey, last year, where conditions required it to return to SA for 2016, there could be no better place to play golf.
He added 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. – @SabeloBoksburg
