The backyard is the open canvas where the first brush strokes of sporting artistry are crafted. The possibilities are limitless as the trimmed lawn can morph from a cricket pitch to a rugby field, and even into an open fairway.
It was here that Merrick van As, winner of the 2020 CMR Golf Club winter championships for the third time in succession, developed the love of sport that would see him conquer opponents throughout his youth. Now 27, the Hoërskool Roodepoort alumni adds his hat-trick of winter championships to the summer championships he won in 2018 and 2020.
His record performance earlier this year saw him card a score of 12 under par for the tournament. CMR Golf Club is a happy hunting ground for the Van As’ as both Merrick and his older brother Mark have turned the course into their personal playground. Merrick won the Don Elmore Championship in 2019, Marc is a nine-time CMR Golf Club championship winner, and they also represent the club’s A-division scratch league team.
Golf is not the only sport Merrick has excelled at throughout his life, representing his school in tennis, cricket, rugby and long-distance athletics. His stamina would come in handy a few years later as he has completed two Comrades marathons and three 94.7
Cycle Challenges. He would do both in 2016 and 2017, and just Johannesburg’s premier cycling event in 2019. All of his previous accomplishments would culminate this past January with Merrick earning a spot in the field for the South African Open, held at Randpark Golf Club.
On 30 August he will look to add to his scalps when he takes part in the Central Gauteng Golf Union amateur tournament.
Polishing it all off with an entrepreneurial spirit, Merrick not only shares ownership of Great Beds in Wilro Park with his father Marius, but has a YouTube channel called South African lawn where he guides viewers on how to create the perfect lawn and the ideal space for young children to begin their own sporting journey.
