SA team ready for Eisenhower Trophy challenge in Japan

The team played a practice round at the Iriyama course at the Karuizawa 72 East Golf Club on Monday and completed their second practice round at the Oshitate course on Tuesday.

National coach Llewellyn van Leeuwen said the team found the Oshitate layout quite a revelation.

“The front nine at the Oshitate is a really stern test tee to green,” the Tuks Golf Club and Academy head coach and technical director said.

“It is very long and tight. It has no par-fives, but four very good par-fours of 450 yards plus and a long par-three that measures over 200 yards.

“The back nine is the scoring nine, and we should take advantage of two reachable par-fours and the par-6 ninth hole.

“Both courses will reward great putting and the greens could prove to be the biggest test of skill between teams.

“However, I think accurate length off the tees will present an important advantage, too.”

Smith was a late inclusion and South African Golf Association vice-president Gerhard Conradie was impressed with how fast the reigning SA stroke play champion had adjusted to the team.

“Jason is fitting in very well and the three players are hungry to get started,” he said.

The South Africans have been drawn with Spain and Norway in the first round.

– Sapa