Stella Artois Players Championship brings out golfing talent
Kyle Barker will be adding the Stella Artois Players Championship trophy to his silverware cabinet.
A new winner was crowned at the recently concluded Stella Artois Players Championship in Dainfern.
Kyle Barker, the man with the biggest smile on the Sunshine Tour had even more reason to do so. He claimed his maiden victory on the circuit at Dainfern Country Club.
This championship was the penultimate tournament of the Sunshine Tour’s current season. The 72-hole tournament saw reigning Investec South African Open champion Thriston Lawrence in the field as well as former national Open winners Brandon Stone, Hennie Otto and Daniel van Tonder.
A week of incredible scoring saw Barker sign off with a 61 to win on 30 under par. He finished six shots clear of second-placed Peter Karmis. He closed with a 64, and Casey Jarvis signed for a final round of 68.
Karmis and Jarvis sharing second place alongside each other was another special moment as they also share the lowest round in Sunshine Tour history of 59. Karmis shot his 59 in 2009. Jarvis equalled that this week in the third round of this tournament.
The biggest smile and applause belonged to Barker for his victory as he thanked everyone for their support throughout the tournament.
Barker was three shots off the overnight lead. He then stormed through the field in his free-flowing golf style. He made six birdies on the front nine, and five on the second nine.
“My mind-set was key out there today. I played carefree golf. I didn’t mind if I made a mistake, and if I did I bounced back immediately. My mind-set was just so strong and my short game was also very good out there. The greens were superb. I’m just so proud of myself for doing this,” he said.
Barker said his six iron into the par-five 18th green would stand out as his favourite of the tournament.
“I’ve never felt my hands shake so much in my life. I’m just glad it came out of the middle of the clubface and finished in the middle of the green. The two-putt to win was awesome. I’m just so thankful to my family and my fiancé, Savannah, for their support,” he said.
And one of the most popular players on the Sunshine Tour paid tribute to his fellow players as well.
“I also want to thank my best pals – my travel buddies. There have been a lot of ups and downs this year, but I really want to thank them. It’s been amazing and I look forward to our future memories to come,” he concluded.
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