Smith and Arnoldi primed for Argentinean challenge

Reigning SA Stroke Play champion Jason Smith and top ranked NJ Arnoldi hope to stake another winning performance for South Africa in two top international events in Argentina.

Smith, from Gauteng North, and Ekurhuleni’s Arnoldi arrived in Buenos Aires this past weekend and will spend the next few days preparing to extend the country’s fine record in the Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup, at the Los Lagartos Country Club, in Pilar, from November 6 to 9.

Smith and Arnoldi will challenge in individual stroke play, with the aggregate scores counting towards the team total in each of the four rounds.

The tournament also has an individual competition.

South African Golf Association president Gerhard Conradie is confident that Smith and Arnoldi are up for the challenge ahead.

“Both players gained valuable experience on international level this season and left for Argentina on the back of impressive performances at the MCB Indian Ocean Amateur Golf Open in Mauritius, where Smith finished second and Arnoldi third,” he said.

“In addition to his debut for South Africa in the Eisenhower Trophy, at the World Amateur Teams Championship in September, Smith also recently held off a charging pack at the Ekurhuleni Open to claim victory.

“Arnoldi had a very good trip to the United Kingdom in June and July, where he participated in various top amateur championships, including the St Andrew’s Links Trophy and the British Amateur.

“They are both in form and ready for the battle to commence and we are confident that they will put their best effort on display in Argentina.”