Grobler, van Velzen rule at PGA of SA National Champs at Ebotse Links

Krugersdorp’s Clinton Grobler claimed the biggest victory of his career when he won the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of South Africa National Championship, presented by Diners Club, at the Ebotse Links on May 10.

After an opening 76 in this 54-hole championship, Grobler worked his way into contention with a second round of 68 that pulled him back to level par overall.

Then he closed with a five-under-par 67 on May 10 to win by two shots over Glendower’s Rudy Whitfield.

“I like tight golf courses and courses where you don’t have to hit driver all the time.

“I used my two iron a lot off the tee all week, gave myself some short irons in and then just made the putts,” said Grobler, who celebrated his 24th birthday in the second round of this championship.

“This is one of the highlights of my career.

“I think I’m just going to have a quiet braai with my parents and my girlfriend to celebrate this win.”

Grobler finished third in this championship last year and said the victory is a big confidence boost in terms of his ultimate goal of playing on the Sunshine Tour.

“I missed out at the tour’s qualifying school this year, but I got my first start on the Sunshine Big Easy Tour and finished fifth.

“My game has been getting better from there.

“I’ve worked hard with my coach and my father motivates me a lot.

“I also play a lot with Sunshine Tour professional Ruan de Smidt and his brother Darren, and they push me to get better.

“To win this title is amazing because I just love what the PGA of South Africa is doing for golf, and being around fellow PGA members is very inspiring.

“I take a lot of pride in this title.”

Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate’s Nicole Becker was the only women professional to make the cut and as such took the honours in the women’s division.

Becker finished in a share of 24th place on a total of 14 over par.

“I’m happy with this finish because I stopped playing competitively about six years ago and have just been focused on teaching.

“This is such a great tournament and I’d really encourage more of our women PGA professionals to come and compete in it.

“There’s been huge growth in the number of women joining the PGA of South Africa and they are doing some great work, especially at a junior golf level,” she said.

Benoni Country Club’s Rob van Velzen took the senior title with his finish of tied 16th on nine over par and was equally delighted to still be giving the younger professionals some solid competition.

“That’s a great feeling.

“I’m very happy with my overall performance because I don’t play too much competitive golf.

“Ebotse is also a demanding course and the greens were fast, but the course set-up was very fair.

“It’s great to play a championship where the course is not just set up for the long hitters but actually involves some creative thought as well.”

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