Northcliff resident Anthony Michael is looking to birdie his way to the Eye of Africa PGA Championship.
Michael moved one step closer to the championship with his victory at Ruimsig Country Club when he won the 13th edition of the Race to Q-School.
He managed to hold off opponent Matthew Stacey, who stayed close on Michael’s heels until the finish.
“Matthew was firing out there and he wouldn’t let up, so I had to step up my game. I played some exceptional golf and to shoot 18-under par at a championship layout like Ruimsig is a huge confidence booster ahead of the Eye of Africa PGA Championship,” said Michael.
In the past, the Randpark Golf Club member missed the cut for the championship and this time he won’t let it happen again.
“I knocked one in for a birdie at 12 and holed another birdie putt at 14 to protect the lead, but Matthew stayed on my heels. We both left a few out there, but we finished in style with a pair of birdies at the last hole. It was a lot of fun to get into a tight tussle again.”
The Race to Q-School series precedes the Sunshine Q-School Tour in which Michael is hunting a maiden win this year.
“I’m definitely not having a short week this year. I wanted to keep competitive after the BMW SA Open and this week highlighted a few things that I need to polish. I’m striking the ball really well and I’m hitting my irons beautifully, but the putter needs some attention.
“The short stick is your bread and butter and I left a few out there. If I can get those to drop, I back myself this year at the Eye of Africa. It’s been great to see the talent coming through this week and to give these youngsters a target, the way the pros used to give us something to shoot for.”
