It took them nearly 30 years to break a winning drought in the South African u-19 Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) and Ekurhuleni wasn’t about to give the trophy back this year, especially not in their own backyard.
While the usual mix of upsets and jostling for position went on around them, the 2017 champions remained resolute in their mission at Benoni Country Club from December 16 to 21.
Ekurhuleni launched their title defence with convincing victories over KwaZulu-Natal and Western Province on day one.
They kept their foot on the pedal, and North West, Gauteng North and Southern Cape fell next.
On Friday, the eight-man side defeated Central Gauteng to celebrate back-to-back victories with an unbeaten performance.
“I asked the boys to give me everything they had left and they delivered in terrific style,” said delighted manager Jack Turton.
Ekurhuleni led the foursomes 2.5 – 1.5 while wins from South Africa’s top ranked Jayden Schaper (Ebotse Links), Yurav Premlall (Glendower), Warwick Purchase (Benoni Country Club) and Saul Moss (Glendower) in the singles put the team in the driver’s seat against Central Gauteng.
Skipper Jordan Burnand (Ebotse Links), Ryan van Velzen (Benoni Country Club) and reigning Nomads SA Boys u-15 and u-17 champion Casey Jarvis (State Mines) halved their matches to make it official.
“We won the match against Central 8 – 4 to keep the trophy at home,” said Turton.
“Last year was incredibly special because the last time we won a Junior IPT was in 1988 when we were still the Eastern Transvaal Golf Union.
“Winning in East London lit a fire in their belly.
“They were absolutely determined to defend the title.
“This year was even more special.
“These boys have played together for years now.
“Some might say it was the home course advantage, but I believe it was the team spirit that took as back to the winner’s circle.
“They truly play for each other and for the team.”
Schaper shared the Most Valuable Player’s honour with fellow Junior Presidents Cup teammate Christo Lamprecht from Southern Cape on 11 points and Purchase was third with 10.5 points.
“Jayden, Warwick, Yurav and Ryan all finished in the top 10, and the rest of the team finished inside the top 22,” Turton said.
“I think that says everything about this team’s talent and the will to succeed.”
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