Frade breaks through with play-off victory at Modderfontein

Nicholaus Frade needed two play-off holes to see off the ever-green Ricky Hendler and claim a dramatic win in the Blue Label Development Tour’s one-day tournament, held at Modderfontein Golf Club on September 19.

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The two were the only players to shoot under-par in windy conditions at Modderfontein, with their rounds of 71 setting up what turned out to be an exciting sudden-death play-off in the process.

The par-five 10th was the first hole of sudden death and both players made birdies there.

The second play-off hole was the 17th and with Hendler making a bogey, Frade two-putted for par to claim a win he’s been chasing since the season started.

“I’ve been playing well during the course of the season and I think the main thing is always to give yourself chances,” Frade said after his dramatic win.

“I gave myself a chance on the par-five and Ricky made a really good up-and-down and then on the second hole, I hit a really good shot and then two-putted and got the job done.

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“The one-day events are hard to judge because you don’t know the scores but I think anything under-par, you always have a chance.

“I felt very calm today. I think because I have played with Ricky so many times, there was no pressure for me. It almost felt like a social round. I tried to play the par-fives solid today and tried to keep it tidy on the par-threes.”

Frade has been in contention a few times on the Altron Big Easy Tour this season, and to many observers, a win for him soon was almost inevitable.

“This win means a lot to me,” he added.

“Any win boosts the confidence to say ‘I can do it’. But these Blue Label events also help a lot of the players financially.

“Personally, it’s a confidence thing for me, especially with fewer events left on the schedule. I would like to finish the season strong.

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“I have enjoyed a good season but I just feel like I have always left shots out there in many events and this season feels like I have done a lot right than wrong.

“There are so many positives and I think this has been my best year in terms of consistency. I am happy with how I have played up to now.”

Hendler walked home with a runner-up finish while Gerard Moodley posted his best finish this season for a share of third.

The member of the Papwa Sewgolum Transformation Class shot an even-par 72.

There are 10 tournaments in the series and all are being played in Gauteng. There are no entry fees required from the participating players, ensuring more playing opportunities.

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The Blue Label Development Tour events carry an R50 000 purse for each of the 10 one-day tournaments while expanding playing opportunities for players to sharpen their skills further.

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