Robbie clinches the title

The golf duel of the year was settled in an extraordinary playoff between Robbie Stewart and Rocky Tlhabanyane this past weekend.

Tied on a score of 211, which is 5 under par for three rounds, the two golfers settled the score in a marathon 8-hole sudden-death playoff on Sunday, November 8.

Robbie Stewart is the 2015 Witbank Imperial Senior Masters champion.

Rocky, who was leading the pack throughout the weekend during the Witbank Imperial Senior Masters, had a stroke of bad luck when he made a 7 on the last hole, which is a four shot swing hole.
He gallantly opened the door for Robbie who made a birdie and clinched the tournament.
Rocky took a one shot lead on Friday when he managed a 70 and Robbie a 69.
The scoreboard tilted a bit the following day with Robbie ending Saturday with a score of 71 and Rocky with a score of 69.

Rocky Tlhabanyane came second after a marathon 8-hole sudden-death playoff.

On Sunday Rocky played extraordinary golf and extended his lead up until the last hole. Robbie was one shot behind Rocky who made 72 on the day.
For Patrick Lowth, Sunshine tour director, this playoff was epic.

“I felt sorry for the players who already endured 54 holes. To go into a sudden-death playoff was not only a highlight but very strenuous for the players,” Patrick said.

He said he could be wrong, but he thinks an 8-hole playoff is a record for the Sunshine Tour.
Sarel van Heerden, club captain of Witbank Golf Club said the Witbank Imperial Senior Masters was a nail-biting tournament.

“No one could predict the outcome of the playoff. This is what golf is all about,” he said.
“Witbank Golf Course is my stomping ground. This is one of my favourite golf courses,” said Robbie holding the trophy high.
“I have a good affinity with the golf club as I won the Sunshine Tour Highveld Classic on the same course 25 years ago,” he said.

Robbie said the pressure was not on for winning as Rocky already had a strong lead, but to at least end second.

(From left) Robbie Stewart (2015 Witbank Imperial Senior Masters champion), Patrick Lowth (Sunshine tour director), Phillip Dunn (Chairman Witbank Golf club) and Sarel van Heerden (club captain of Witbank Golf Club).

“But when it came to the play-off it was another game. I pulled out all the stops,” Robbie said.

He said he found his rhythm and confidence in the ‘practise’ he had the week prior when playing in the Power Trained Senior Open in Middelburg. He came second in that tournament.
When asked if he will be back next year he just laughed and said,

“I don’t know. At my age I am just happy to play and have fun.”

R20 000 of the proceeds of the tournament will be handed to Immergroen Old Age Home.