Hillcrest golfer aims for world comp
The talented golfer will compete against the rest of the tournament season 3 winners in April next year.
HILLCREST’S Ethan Gough claimed a comprehensive three-shot victory at the Royal Durban Golf Course and won the opening tournament of season 3 of the Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series.
The 17-year-old Maritzburg College learner, coached by Sean Coetzee at the SCIEG academy, shot level par 73 with Matthew Kruger and Christopher Gutuza three back. Ethan built up a substantial six-shot lead, including a tap in birdie on 13 after his bunker shot lipped out for eagle. However, he dropped a few shots as nerves and strong winds got the better of him during the final few holes.
“At some point in the round, one of my playing partners told me I had a six-shot lead and I think I became bit defensive, trying to protect the lead and this resulted in me dropping some shots on the back nine,” said Ethan, a member of the Kloof County Club.
By winning the title, Ethan has secured his place in the north regional final of the #BridgeJuniorSeries that will be played over 36 holes in April next year. There, he will compete for the ultimate prize – an all-expenses paid trip to the Junior North and South Championship at Pinehurst in the USA in July 2020.
“The opportunity to compete for a place at Pinehurst is definitely the main reason why I entered the Bridge Junior Series,” said Ethan.
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He aims to make the KZN inter-provincial team this year and become one of the country’s top 20 amateurs while on his way to realising his ultimate goal of turning professional.
The Junior Series launched in July 2017 and is endorsed by GolfRSA and managed by the SA Golf Development Board. It is open to boys and girls in the U13 and U19 divisions and is played across 18 tournaments, hosted by leading courses countrywide. The 18 tournament winners contest the 36-hole regional finals in April 2020 and the two winners will jet off to Pinehurst.
“Ethan put on an impressive performance at one of South Africa’s iconic golf courses,” said the chief executive at Bridge Fund Managers, Paul Stewart. “We look forward to seeing him take on the rest of the season 3 tournament winners in April 2020.”
Visit juniorseries.bridgefm.co.za for the full schedule and entry mechanism, or contact Peter Little of the SAGDB via email at littlegolfers2@gmail.com.
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