Leading SA amateurs relishing big easy opportunities
Nine amateurs have received invites in the first two tournaments of the season, and more are guaranteed to receive such invites as the season progresses.
The Altron Big Easy Tour is more than just a platform for players seeking to earn their way to the Sunshine Tour, an important stepping stone for the country’s leading amateurs to elevate their games while rubbing shoulders with professionals.
This, according to amateur Jordan Burnand, who will tee it up in the second tournament in the season at Reading Country Club.
The Ebotse Golf Links player, ranked fifth in the GolfRSA Open Amateur Rankings, is among five amateurs in the field vying for glory at this R150 000 tournament. The other amateurs are Kayle Wykes, Letsoso Letsai, Christopher Bagnalli and Amilkar Bhana, ranked seventh in the U19 GolfRSA rankings.
Doors of opportunity
Ahead of the opening round at Reading Country Club, Burnand said, “I think what GolfRSA, the Sunshine Tour and Big Easy are doing will go a long way in benefiting the amateur game in the country. It allows us to compare our games against some of the best professionals locally.”
While Burnand admits the experienced gained at these tournaments is worth more than victory, he knows that having amateurs gracing the Altron Big Easy Tour winning circle is not an anomaly.
Last season, Christiaan Maas was the first amateur to win the silverware of this Sunshine Tour developmental circuit, before Casey Jarvis, who has since turned professional – also imprinted his name among the amateurs who caused upsets on this tour.
The amateur Bhana said they take these opportunities seriously because they get to compete against a strong field.
He said some amateurs have shown it is possible to win here. That gives confidence to many amateurs to test themselves against these pros.
“Opportunities like these allow us to grow our game. A win on this tour opens doors for you, but just being in the field with these players is something special. You always try to play your best and see what happens at the end of the week. You don’t want to put too much pressure on yourself because playing under pressure can harm your progress. I appreciate the Big Easy platform,” Bhana said.
Altron Big Easy Tour Tournament director Ludwick Manyama said, “It is important for us as a tour and GolfRSA as a mother-body of amateur golf in the country to keep giving the youngsters opportunities to hone their skills. The earlier they get used to competitive golf, the better they get in the development phase.”
In no time, Manyama said these are the same players who will look to gain entry on the main tour. “That’s why these opportunities are priceless.”The Big Easy Tour was founded in 2011 to provide players with more playing opportunities while also giving amateurs a taste of professional golf.
