Keown Botha (8) fought until the last day of his US Golf Kids Venice Open U8 title defence at the Galzignamo Terme Spa and Golf Resort from August 15 to 17.
The Rynfield golfer finished the tournament fourth on two-under 106, eight strokes behind winner Matias Lapustias of Switzerland, who fired 10-under 98 for victory.
American Domenic Lorenzo was second, two strokes behind Lapustias and Swiss Alexander Heuberger third on four-under 104.
Botha was on course to a successful title defence when he took the lead with four-under 32, with a quadruple of birdies, after the first round.
He fired another four-under 32, which also included four birdies, on the second day to finish the first two days on a combined eight-under 62.
Also Read: Keown (7) wins Venice Open
Starting the last day leading comfortably, he had a day to forget after he was undone by a trio of bogeys on the second, eighth and ninth holes to finish on six-over 42 for a tournament score of two-under 106.
Botha’s father, Nico, who’s also his caddie, applauded the youngster for his efforts, saying the nerves got to him a bit.
“The lesson is to have fun and not make it a serious competition,” he said.
“We played against the first and second ranked players in the world on the final round. For Keown to go toe to toe with them was a massive achievement.”
At the world championships in North Carolina in early August, the Laerskool Northmead learner recorded a top 20 position after finishing the tournament tied 18th with a three-day score of seven-under 116.
In May, he finished the European Championships at Longniddry Golf Club in the top with a tournament score of three-over 111 for ninth.
The eight-year old has been chosen to represent the North West U13 team at the SA Nomads Week in September.
“He’s one of the youngest players in the team. We are proud of him,” Nico added.
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