Junior golfers shine in neighbouring town
South Africa’s top junior and Ebotse Links talent Jayden Schaper lived up to his top billing with a superior performance in the seventh Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series on Saturday at the ERPM Golf Club in Boksburg.
All 18 winners in the u-19 A-Division of the nationwide series will challenge in two regional finals for two coveted spots in the field of the prestigious junior North and South Junior Championship at Pinehurst Resort from July 2 to July 4, next year.
The 16-year-old from Morehill threw his name in the hat for the North Regional Final when he raced to a four-stroke victory at ERPM.
Schaper racked up five birdies and an eagle at the par-five 17th to win with a flawless seven-under-par 65, recording the lowest winning score in the series to date.
The Golf RSA national squad member was delighted with the result.
“I’ve played a lot of golf in the last few months, including the Junior President’s Cup last month, but with exams coming up, I really only had this event to qualify,” said the Ebotse golfer.
“I had one chance and I got the job done, so I’m one step closer to the big prize.
“The competition for the two spots to the North and South Junior is really stiff because every junior on the circuit is gunning for this opportunity.
“Even though all the winners will still have to shoot out for the two spots, it’s a huge relief to know I’ve qualified.”
Warrick Purchase, who also plays out of Ebotse, did a great job of chasing Schaper with three birdies and eagles at the par-four eighth and 17, but four bogeys spoiled his run.
The 16-year-old had to settle for second on 69, but Purchase will take another stab at victory in the eighth event on Sunday.
Ignatius Twala won the open C-Division for handicaps over 16, on 38 points.
The 23-handicapper beat fellow Daveyton golfer Kagiso Makwe by two points in the individual stableford competition.
Mathias Frey also made the most of his home course advantage to edge out Khaya Maluleka from Benoni Country Club for the u-13 B-Division honours in a count-out on 46 points.
Meanwhile, the shortest and tallest competitors in the field also had reason to celebrate.
Six-foot something Liam van Deventer from Ebotse and the pint-sized Frey from ERPM both collected a sleeve of TaylorMade TP5s balls for their aces at the par-three fifth.
Dylan Rees didn’t get it in the hole at the 14th for Bridge Fund Managers’ Unit Trust Hole-in-One prize, but nearest the pin earned the Ebotse golfer a sleeve of TaylorMade PAs.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/benoni-city-times/299996/schaper-makes-sa-golf-history/
https://www.citizen.co.za/benoni-city-times/305670/schaper-and-co-part-of-history/
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
