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VOL 2 issue 3 | MAR•APR 2021
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ON THE COVER: Zinan Maimane
IN THIS ISSUE... THE TEAM
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junior golfer south africa • march/april• page 1
In this issue we look at what happened
at the SA Amateur Championships,
which was held at Royal Johannesburg
& Kensington Golf Club from 14-19
February >>>
Macnab wary of strong field
ahead of title defence
While Casey Jarvis headed into the defence of his title, in hot form,
By Lali Stander
after lifting the African Amateur Championship, there was a little
more pressure on fellow 2020 champion, Caitlyn Macnab at the SA
Amateur Championships, which was held at Royal Johannesburg &
Kensington Golf Club from 14-19 February.
A year ago, Macnab and Casey Jarvis made history for Ekurhuleni
when the pair both achieved the ‘double’ in the two men’s and
women’s flagship events.
Jarvis followed a nine-shot SA Stroke Play Championship
triumph at Randpark Golf Club with a seven and six victory in the
SA Amateur at Royal, and Macnab was equally unflappable over
the six days of action on the challenging East and West Courses at
Royal.
The GolfRSA number one, who recently celebrated her 18th
birthday with a two-shot victory in the SA Women’s Stroke Play
Championship and closed out the SA Women’s Match Play title a
few days later with a fourth and third result in her 36-hole match
play final.
Macnab was bidding to become the second golfer to bag back-
to-back victories in the history of these prestigious women’s
CREDIT ERNEST BLIGNAULT
events. Only Ashleigh Buhai (nee Simon) had previously pulled off
this incredible feat, with her double win at Pretoria Country Club in
2006 and George Golf Club a year later.
“It is definitely my goal for 2021 and I’ve worked hard to get
ready for it,” said a confident Macnab, who is happy to put a tough
2020 behind her. Ekurhuleni pair Casey Jarvis and Caitlyn Macnab launch their
Shortly after the SA Amateur Championships, the country went SA Amateur Championships title defence at Royal
into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Golf re-opened in Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.
June, but the Serengeti golfer was behind the books. “It was my
matric year so golf had to take a back seat,” said Macnab, who only 18-year-old Swellendam golfer, who recently replaced Macnab in
made one competitive appearance, in the Ekurhuleni Women’s the top spot of the GolfRSA Junior Rankings.
Open, where she duly lived up her number one billing by taking “I tied for 10th in the stroke play and got knocked out in the first
the Open, Closed and Junior titles at Glendower Golf Club. round of the match play. I believe I will do a lot better this year. I
“I passed well and secured a golf scholarship for Texas Christian have matured and I have gained a lot more experience.
University, so now it’s just golf, golf, golf! I worked really hard on Other players on her watch list included up-and-coming squad
my game right through my holidays and I feel as ready as I can be.” members Kiera Floyd, Sam Whateley and Kera Healey, Gauteng
The Womens Golf South Africa Elite Squad member knows she trio Kim Turgut, Stephanie Barbaglia and Marine Legentil and local
will need her A-Game to stave off the other title contenders. favourites Nadia van der Westhuizen and Kaylan Boshoff.
“The first hurdle the needed to be crossed was the Stroke Play While the A-Division traditionally always draws a very strong
and there was a long line of players gunning for the title, starting field, the SA Women’s Stroke Play offered a unique opportunity
with Larissa du Preez. She was second in the Stroke Play last year through its B-Division for the younger generation to gain
and is confident, after coming off a win in the Eastern Province and experience by competing at the highest level.
Border Championship. This year’s 83-strong field included nine youngsters between
“Kaylah Williams led the second round and she finished third the ages of 10 and 13, including 12-year-old Phenyo Sebata, who
overall last year and Kyra van Kan tied for third in the stroke play won the Ladies Club Championship at Zwartkop Country Club last
and made it all the way to the match play final. She was only 14 at year.
the time, and has gained a lot more experience in the past year.” The championship has drawn a healthy number of mid-amateurs
Macnab was also wary of Jordan Rothman and Megan Streicher. and seniors.
Rothman won the match play at Umhlali in 2018 and having Meanwhile Jarvis started his week contending for the top spot
completed high school, will also have come to the former Joburg in the 36-hole stroke play qualifier for the match play stage.
Open host venue, well prepared. Last year Sam Simpson beat Jarvis by three shots to lift the
Streicher produced strong performances in the 2019 edition at Proudfoot Trophy, denying the Boksburg golfer the chance to
Woodhill, finishing sixth in the stroke play and reaching the semi- become the second golfer after Louis de Jager in 2007 to win
finals in the match play. “Last year I played Royal Johannesburg for the SA Stroke Play, SA Amateur and the Proudfoot Trophy in one
the first time and I found the courses very challenging,” said the calendar year.
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 2
Smoking hot Streicher
storms to SA Women’s
Stroke Play success By Lali Stander
Swellendam’s Megan Streicher rode a red-hot putter to shoot a
low round of 67 on the West Course and rally from four shots back
overnight to win the South African Women’s Stroke Play title at Royal
Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club in Feburary. The 18-year-old
GolfRSA Elite Squad member held off late charges from defending
champion and top-ranked Caitlyn Macnab to triumph on five-under-
par 211.
Macnab had a chance to force a play-off with an eagle opportunity
at the final hole of the West Course and gave it a valiant effort, but
her putt died two feet from the hole. She had to settle for second
after a closing 72.
CREDIT ERNEST BLIGNAULT
GolfRSA No 4-ranked Nadia van der Westhuizen, who eagled the
par-5 15th to join the race for glory, also registered a level par round
to finish in third on two-under.
After successive rounds of 72 on the West and East Courses,
Streicher put some time in on the driving range, but in the end, it
was the flat-stick and her dad Barry on the bag that got all the credit South Africa’s top ranked junior Megan Streicher.
for her first national success. She got off the mark with back-to-back
birdies and recovered from a bogey on the third with another gain on
the fourth. A trio of birdies from the ninth moved her well clear of
the pursuing pack, led by Macnab and Van der Westhuizen. “I didn’t
strike the ball as well as I did in first two rounds, but my putter was
hot from the start,” said Streicher, who is currently the country’s
top-ranked junior. “I made a lot of long birdie putts, and I sunk some
lengthy putts to save par that kept my momentum going. I must give
credit to my dad. He gave me some great lines on my putts and good
advice and he kept me calm and focused throughout the round.”
CREDIT ERNEST BLIGNAULT
Streicher then turned her attention to the match play component
of the SA Amateur Championships, where she would tee off as the
top seed in the first round on the West Course.
“I’ve been working extremely hard with my coach Murray Smit at
De Zalze in Stellenbosch since golf reopened after lockdown,” she
explained. “I competed in the GolfRSA Boland Race to 2021 and Eleven-year-old Kaitlyn van der Vyfer.
started seeing some improvement.”
Two years ago, a fresh-faced Streicher made the semi-final round Macnab, faced Kim Turgut from Randpark, and fellow Serengeti golfer
in her debut in the Womens Golf South Africa flagship event, but last Van der Westhuizen played local favourite Carman Taljaard.
year she was eliminated in the first round. A solid third place finish Former SA Mid-Amateur champion Liezl Smit, who made her debut in
in the season-opening Nomads Gauteng North Girls Championship in the flagship events a full 30 years ago, shared the match play stage with
January shot Streicher to the summit of the junior rankings and set her daughters Anika and Marlie.
her up for a confident start in this year’s SA Amateur Championships. In the B-Division, 11-year-old Kaitlyn van de Vyver stretched her two-
“Last year was the first time I played at Royal Johannesburg and shot lead with a six-stroke victory. The Eagle Canyon junior would go on
Kensington and I was very unprepared for these championship to start the Flight Division in the No 1 spot, and faced Paola Sakota from
courses,” she said. “This win really gives me a lot of confidence going ERPM Golf Club in the first round. Van der Vyver carded rounds of 95, 79
into the match play.” Her first match was against Lize−Mari Prinsloo and 83 to edge out Casey Twidale on a winning score of 257. Umhlali’s
from Mossel Bay, who carded 75 in the final round to clinch the final Senayah Moodliar and Lea van der Merwe from Zwartkops shared third
spot in the 32-strong field, in the Championship Division. on 265.
junior golfer south africa • november/december 2020 • page 3
Braveheart Bhana
delivers big SA
Amateur upset By Lali Stander
Amilkar Bhana ousted defending champion Casey Jarvis to record
the biggest win in the match play opener of the 119th South African
Amateur Championship at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf
Club on the Tuesday.
Bhana – the top-ranked U-17 golfer in the country – has been one
to watch for some time.
He won the Nomads SA Boys Under-13 Championship twice, the
Italian International Under-16 Championship in 2018 and added the
Nomads SA Boys U-15 title to his tally a year later.
The 16-year-old joined eight other hopefuls at the crack of dawn
to fight for one of five spots into the 64-man match play field and
par on the first hole was good enough to gain him a start. Not
many expected the Country Club Johannesburg junior to have the
firepower to overcome the in-form Jarvis.
“It was such a privilege to play against Casey,” said Bhana after his
second and third win. “He’s a great player and I had to work hard to
stay focused on my game and not get caught up in the score.
“When I made birdie on the par-three 12th to go four up, I knew I
CREDIT ERNEST BLIGNAULT
had to play conservatively, so I stopped chasing birdies and tried to
let Casey do the running. In the end it was enough and I couldn’t be
happier with the result.”
Bhana’s next opponent was fellow GolfRSA National Squad
member Jaden Deltel, who eagled the 18th hole on the East to have Amateur at Glendower the previous week – lost out to 2014 finalist
won his match against Armand van Dyk from Woodhill one-up. Altin van der Merwe. In a tight match that never went more than
Proudfoot Trophy winner Dyer found the going tough. The England two up in favour of either player, a birdie on the par-five final hole
Golf squad member eventually prevailed, winning two and one over proved to be decisive for the Nelson Mandela University student,
Ernest Ludick who, like Bhana, faced an early morning playoff to who edged the No 4-ranked Premlall one-up. He would go on to
qualify for the match play stage. take on Beachwood’s Daniel Bennett in the second round.
Meanwhile Dreyer, the champion in 2009, continued to surprise. Another favourite to fall included National Squad member
Superb iron-play and putting netted the Eagle Canyon golfer a share Christiaan Burke, who succumbed to Ulrich Steinhobel – another
of fourth in the stroke play qualifier and he brought that game to his early qualifier – on the 19th hole.
first match. Dreyer reeled in four birdies on the bounce from sixth Then there were comfortable six and five wins for GolfRSA No
on his way to beating John-William Blomerus, 31 years his junior, by 1 Martin Vorster and in-form Kieron van Wyk over Wade Jacobs
a score of seven and five. and Reece McKain respectively, while Paarl Golf Club’s Ethan Smith
The GolfRSA Champion of Champions winner would go on to face romped to a six and four win over home favourite Mandla Dlamini.
Kenyan golfer Adel Balala in the top 32, who birdied his last two The second and third round of the men’s SA Amateur took place
holes to win his first-round match one-up. on the East Course, where the field of 32 players would be culled
In another upset, Yurav Premall – the runner-up in the African to eight contenders.
Switched on Dyer and Streicher
cruising in SA Amateur By Lali Stander
Top seeded Jack Dyer and Megan Streicher look to be the players to really got me going.”
beat as the duo marched on to the quarter-finals of the South African Dyer would face Randpark’s Conner Mackenzie in the quarter final.
Amateur Championships at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Mackenzie beat Clive Palm four and two and followed that up with
Club held on 17 February. a two and one victory over Germany’s Constantin Unger.
England’s Dyer – with compatriot and first-round casualty Zach On the West Course, Swellendam’s Streicher continued her quest
Chegwidden on the bag – saw off Centurion’s Ernest Ludick two and to claim the SA Women’s Amateur double as she breezed into the
one in the morning round before comfortably beating Belgium’s Jean quarter finals with two comfortable wins.
de Wouters d’Oplinter four and three on the Wednesday afternoon. After celebrating a one-shot victory in the SA Stroke Play
After going down early to Ludick, it was a timely pep talk from his Championship on the Tuesday, the 18-year-old dispatched Lize-Marie
caddie that got the Boyce Hill golfer going. Prinsloo of Mossel Bay five and four in the opening round of the
“Sometimes when I try stay to stay relaxed and not let the nerves match play event. She followed it up with an equally comfortable four
get the better of me, I lose a bit of focus,” said the England Golf Men’s and three win over Demi Flanagan in the afternoon’s second round.
A-Squad member. “Zach helped me to switch on and focus a bit more Next up for the country’s top ranked junior is a quarter-final
on every shot. It definitely worked because I was down early on meeting with last year’s runner up Kyra van Kan, who overcame
against Ernest and when I made a birdie on eight to go one-up, that Cheslyn Jacobs five and four and Samantha Whateley seven and six.
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 4
Jack Dyer from England and Swellendam golfer Megan Streicher produced commanding performances on day four.
As the women moved from the West Course to the East Course, grind it out and I didn’t have my best stuff, but I got past the first
Streicher was excited to go one step further than last year. round this year. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds for me.”
“I’m definitely excited that I made it past the first round,” she Still on the top half of the draw, a mouth-watering match
said. “I played pretty well and I’m happy that I’m hitting my woods between No 2-ranked Williams and big-hitting Floyd, the country’s
a lot better. When I missed a green, I was able to up and down No-5 ranked amateur, awaits.
well. My caddie (dad Barry) is doing a great job of keeping me on Williams moved into the quarter finals with wins over Amy
point.” Fletcher (four and three) and Stephanie Barbaglia (three and two),
South Africa’s No.1 ranked pair Martin Vorster and Caitlyn while Floyd negotiated her way past Eleonora Galletti (six and five)
Macnab – the women’s defending champion – also advanced to and Bobbi Brown (five and four).
quarter finals, alongside fellow GolfRSA Squad members Kieron On the other side of the draw, Macnab was in superb form as
van Wyk, Christiaan Maas, Kiera Floyd and Kaylah Williams. she set up a quarter final meeting with 2018 champion Jordan
Vorster, the reigning SA Stroke Play champion, would take on Rothman. Macnab saw off Kim Turgut five and three in the opening
Krugersdorp’s Simon du Plooy, Van Wyk come up against Paarl’s round and followed that up with a six and four win over Pretoria
Ethan Smith and Maas will have had his work cut out against Country Club’s Bronwyn Leigh Doeg, while Rothman beat Crystal
Durban Country Club’s Jonathan Broomhead. beukes six and five in the morning before comfortably winning
“I played a lot better today,” said Maas, who booked his ticket to eight and six against Oubaai’s Jasmine Furstenburg.
the last eight with two commanding victories. “I’m really happy with how I hit the ball today,” said the 18-year-
The 17-year-old Pretoria Country Club golfer routed Jaco old Serengeti golfer. “The putter warmed up a little, not a lot, but
Anderson from Klerksdorp five and four and eliminated 2014 at least it went a little better on the greens. I’m looking forward
finalist Altin van der Merwe five and three. to the East tomorrow. It should be a great match against Jordan.”
“After I nearly blew it on the back nine yesterday, I knew I In the last of the quarter finals, Cara Ford will take on 2021
needed to stay focused throughout the whole game. Thankfully, Gauteng North Junior Girls champion Gabrielle Venter for a place
I’ve started reading the lines and putting better, so I’m gaining in in the final four.
confidence as the tournament progresses,” Maas said. The petite Randpark spitfire caused the upset of the day when
Van Wyk, ranked seventh on the SAGA amateur rankings, she edged recent Eastern Province Border Championship winner
needed 38 holes to make the final eight. Larissa du Preez one-up in the first round. She followed her
The South African Golf Development Board graduate had to giant-slaying performance with a fine three and one victory over
come from behind to beat Ryan Joyce one-up and, needing extra Ebotse’s Kaylan Boshof.
holes, saw off Centurion’s Francois van der Walt with a par-putt Venter reached the quarter finals last year and is looking to
on the 20th hole. go one better after beating Liezl Smit two and one and edging
“It was a difficult day, but a good day,” said Van Wyk. “I had to Carmen Taljaard on the 19th hole.
junior golfer south africa • november/december 2020 • page 5
Thrilling contests loom
in 2021 SA Amateur
Championships By Lali Stander
CREDIT ERNEST BLIGNAULT
Caitlyn Macnab would bid for a successive women’s title, Christiaan Maas will be targeting the men’s SA Amateur crown, and 13-year-old
Zane Kleynhans will be fighting for the Flight Division title in the 36-hole finals of the South African Amateur Championships
The stage is set for the finals of the SA Amateur Championships, 1-ranked Martin Vorster in a titanic clash between two of the pre-
with three mouth-watering 36-hole matches to look forward to tournament favourites.
that will determine the country’s champions of the year at Royal After getting into a comfortable 2-up lead at the turn, Dyer made
Johannesburg & Kensington’s East Course held on 18 February. bogeys on the ninth and the 11th holes to allow Vorster back in.
In the women’s event, top seed and recent SA Women’s Stroke Once again bag-man and compatriot Zach Chegwidden came to
Play winner Megan Streicher will face defending champion Caitlyn the rescue. The England Golf Men’s A-Squad member will come up
Macnab. The 18-year-old from Swellendam edged Macnab by against one of the rising stars in South African golf in 17-year-old
one shot in the Stroke Play tournament earlier in the week and Christiaan Maas, who edged Jonathan Broomhead two and one in
progressed through two tough matches to reach her first SA the quarter final and Kieron van Wyk two and one in the semi-final.
Amateur final. He then held on as Van Wyk rallied, eventually signing for a two and
In the morning’s quarter final, Streicher fought back from two one win.
down with two to play against last year’s runner up Kyra van Kan, The Pretoria youngster has gathered momentum as the
holing a long putt to prevail on the 19th hole. tournament has progressed and has only recorded two bogeys
In the afternoon’s semi-final clash against big-hitting Kiera Floyd, since the second round of the tournament – to go with 24 birdies.
she once again came from behind to triumph sealing the win with He has a good idea of what he needs to do to have any chance of
a birdie on the 17th. beating the in-form Englishman the next day.
Floyd was three up, but dropped three shots in succession from “Jack has been playing brilliantly and I know it’s going to be a
the 12th while Streicher made a string of pars on the back nine. tough match. He’s a bit older than me but my age won’t count out
“Then I won the 16th with a par to go one-up and that gave me on the course – I mean, Casey Jarvis won it last year when he was
the push I needed to close it down. I hit it down the middle of the 16, so there is no reason for me to take a step back.”
fairway, put a wedge to 3m and holed the putt for the win. I’m In the Flight Division, 13-year-old Zane Kleynhans will go head-
beyond words. I really excited to play Caitlyn. I think it’s going to be to-head with 31-year-old Charlene Oosthuizen and both Pretoria
a very exciting final.” golfers were brimming with delight at the prospect of playing in
Macnab would be looking to become the first player to their first 36-hole final. Kleynhans was made to work for her spot.
successfully defend her title since Ashleigh Simon in 2007. In a She birdied the 16th to go two-up on Lauren Clough and pars on
tightly-contested quarter-final match against feisty 2018 champion the next two holes was good enough to secure a one-up win. Her
Jordan Rothman, the Serengeti golfer came up trumps to win one- semi-final match against Zara le Keur was an even tougher affair.
up, while unheralded Gabbi Venter was equally relentless over the The Western Province golfer was two up through 16, but she
first 10 holes in the afternoon session. dropped on the last two holes, and Kleynhans squared the match
Macnab eventually saw off the Bloemfontein junior, in a round with two very good par-putts. The Centurion golfer holed a nine-
that not only featured a stunning ace at the par-three 5th hole, but footer to close out victory on the 19th hole.
four birdies, including a late pair on 12 and 13 that took her to four- Oosthuizen, who made her debut in the SA Women’s Mid-
up and the opportunity to defend her title. Amateur Championship in October last year, had just one goal this
“I expected a tough match with Jordan and she duly delivered,” year and that was to reach the match play stage.
said Macnab. “I was four up at the turn and she just kept fighting and “I just wanted to make the field this year; now I’m in the final. This
took me all the way to the last. “The game against Gabbi was also is all just a huge, huge bonus,” the Waterkloof golfer said.
tough, because she is becoming a really good player and she hits the Oosthuizen spoiled Paola Sakota’s bid of playing the final on
ball a mile. Unfortunately, she is struggling with a knee problem, and her home course, when she knocked out the Royal Johannesburg
I could see her discomfort increase as the match wore on. & Kensington junior three and two in the quarter-finals. In the
“Overall, I am very happy with where my game is at, although afternoon, she edged Nicole Strydom from Benoni Lake with a
there were a few silly mistakes that I can’t afford tomorrow. Megan birdie on the 16th hole to win the match one-up.
is playing some seriously good golf at the moment and I’ll have to “All eyes would be on the two big finals ahead of us and we are
bring my A-game to the final.” okay with that,” said Oosthuizen.
In the men’s event, top seed Jack Dyer continued his sublime “It’s the first time Zane is playing in the SA Amateur Championships.
form as he crushed Randpark’s Conner Mackenzie six and five in It’s my first final ever in an event of this stature. We are happy to be
the quarter finals, with the Englishman at seven under par when at the back of the field. We’ll have fun, enjoy ourselves and try like
the pair shook hands on the 13th hole. He then took on GolfRSA No hell to beat each other.”
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021• page 6
>>> and the winners are...
Macnab and Maas a cut
above in SA Amateurs By Lali Stander
CREDIT ERNEST BLIGNAULT
South Africa’s No 1-ranked Caitlyn Macnab became just the 12th African amateur golf.
woman to successfully defend her SA Amateur title since 1906, In the men’s event, Maas made good on his promise of playing
while 17-year-old Christiaan Maas continued his remarkable rise aggressive golf in his 36-hole final against Englishman Jack Dyer.
when he lifted the men’s title on the final day. The Pretoria golfer fired 13 birdies en route to a three and two
Macnab won her second title in fine style with a convincing victory – marking his sixth trophy finish since competitive golf
eleven and nine victory over Swellendam’s Megan Streicher at reopened in September last year after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington’s East Course. Dyer, the winner of the stroke play qualifier earlier in the week,
The 2020 champion, who had relinquished her SA Stroke Play eased into an early lead, but a birdie at the eighth saw Maas draw
title to Streicher earlier in the week, showed no mercy to her level.
opponent as she racked up an eagle and 10 birdies to comfortably After a run of five birdies in seven holes, the Pretoria Country
wrap things up by the 27th hole of the 36-hole final. Club member never looked back. Although Dyer fought back to win
While Streicher may have initially contributed to her own demise the 23rd and 24th holes and bring the game back to all square,
with a smattering of bogeys, she simply had no answer to the birdies on the 25th, 26th, 29th and 30th holes put the young South
brilliance of Macnab, who played the last 14 holes in an incredible African three ahead with four to play. He closed out the match with
10 under par. two hard working pars.
With the win, Macnab became the first player since Ashleigh Maas said he drew inspiration from fellow GolfRSA National
Buhai (nee Simon) in 2007 to achieve the SA Amateur double. Squad members Casey Jarvis, who won the double last year, and
The 19-year-old started the week slowly, posting an opening Martin Vorster, the 2021 SA Stroke Play champion.
round of 75 in the Stroke Play, but got consistently better as she Having shown himself to be one of the hottest prospects in
put more rounds under the belt. South African golf, Maas has a few goals of his own left to tick off.
Reaching the turn at five-up, one could have forgiven Macnab “My main goal this year is to try and win the Freddie Tait Cup
for playing conservatively and protecting her lead. Instead, she at the SA Open as the leading amateur, like Casey did last year. I’ll
went the other way. also be trying to win the SA Stroke Play and the African Amateur
Macnab, who had a hole-in-one during her semi-final round, next year.
followed up an eagle on the 19th hole with a pair of birdies to put Seeing Casey and Martin winning them has certainly pushed me
her in an almost unassailable position at 8-up, but she wasn’t done to work even harder and have more belief in my own abilities.”
yet. With the three winners of the SA Swing events aged 18, 17 and
Three birdies later and Streicher’s suffering was over, with 17, it is safe to say that South African golf has a very bright future
Caitlyn Macnab writing her name in the history books of South ahead.
junior golfer south africa • november/december 2020 • page 7
Jayden Schaper on
how his South African
upbringing is helping him compete
on the European Tour
Article credit: CNN’s Living Golf
how he is. He’s not the biggest guy out there. He’s just one of the
hardest workers. He’s a great ball striker. So, I’ve kind of based my
game off of his, I just love the way he plays on and off the golf
course.”
“On the influence of his coach
Grant Veenstra”
“He got to know me as a kid, as a player. So, my coach and my
dad are the two people that probably know me the most out of
anyone. He’s been more of a mentor than a coach. It’s just be more
of a friendship than anything, we’ve travelled around the world
together. He’s caddied for me, he’s been coaching me for so many
years, so he knows exactly how I work, how I process things.”
“On the role of his family and
competing for junior titles in South
Africa”
“My dad has always told me that the minute I started walking, he
In an interview with Shane O’Donoghue for CNN’S LIVING GOLF, South put a golf club straight in my hand and kind of just took off from
African golfer Jayden Trey Schaper discussed how he wants to translate there… I was competing straight out the block and I think I won
the success from his glittering amateur career into the professional game. my first [tournament] was when I was seven and from then on just
The 19-year-old turned pro in 2020 and told CNN that he owes much of kept practicing, going to the range every day. My dad just kept it
his success to his father and coach Grant Veenstra. Schaper was the first as fun as possible for me, I was still a youngster and I won my first
player to win the ‘grand slam’ of junior titles in South Africa and he spoke national event when I was 11 years old in the SA Boys Under-13.”
to O’Donoghue about adapting under the increased pressure of events
on the European Tour. Schaper also talked about his golfing influences,
including Rory McIlroy, who the South African says he based his game off.
“On adapting to compete at the highest JUNIOR GOLFER SA
level on the European Tour” would like to wish Tiger
“I’ve always loved the pressure of competing and being up at the top and
once you turn professional, your amateur career, you can kind of pretty Woods a speedy recovery!
much forget about that. You start from the bottom. So, there you feel like
it is a lot of expectations, but you just got to keep on going and kind of Woods suffered
just learn from every tournament, every round, every shot you play. I’ve open fractures on
CREDIT SKYSPORTS.COM
always loved the pressure. I love the being in the moment, but yeah, there the tibia and fibula
definitely is a bit of pressure to be out there and performing to prove
yourself.” of his lower right leg and
a rod was inserted into
“On whether he considers Rory McIlroy the tibia. Injuries to his
foot and ankle were
to be an idol” stabilised with screws
“Definitely. I mean, I’ve followed him for quite some time I’d say ever since and pins.
he came onto the circuit and he started winning majors and I’ve just loved
CREDIT: BBC.COM/NEWS
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021• page 8GIVING BACK
Golf course achievements
helps South Coast
school kids when
they hit the books
Article by Sarah Anderson – Corporate Image
When golfing professional Arnold Mentz gets out his clubs to be in school in order to participate in the Academy. “The kids I
instruct South Coast youngsters on their swing, he believes that instruct are at school every day and I am proud to say that their
beyond stance, grip and swing, the game imparts essential life academic achievements have improved, some up to 40%.”
skills. Mentz is planning tournaments against another development
The 73-year-old former tour commissioner of the Sunshine Tour squad from Matatiele and is looking forward to seeing how his side
of South Africa is the teaching professional at the Wild Coast Sun shapes up.
Hotel and Casino Resort in Port Edward, and since October 2017, “I only started playing golf when I was 27 and was a scratch
has run the hotel’s Golf Coaching Academy. player by the time I was 34. I was fortunate enough to be coached
“Golf teaches certain values which other sports don’t have,” in the United States by David Leadbetter (a revered voice in the
Mentz said. “Honesty, integrity, sharing, respect, perseverance and world of golf instruction and personal coach to several top PGA,
courtesy. These core values help them to become better citizens in LPGA and European Tour players (who also coached South Africans
the long run.” including David Frost and Nick Price).”
Each week, Mentz instructs between 15 and 20 players After realising he particularly enjoyed coaching, Mentz
ranging in age from eight to eighteen, who attend Ithuba and completed coaching courses and learnt about the psychology of
Vulendlala schools in the local Eastern Cape schools. On a Friday the game. After resigning from the corporate world in his early 40s,
afternoon they play and learn on-course rules and regulations, he was the professional at Southbroom and later Stellenbosch Golf
Saturday mornings find them on the resort’s challenging 18-hole Clubs. Running the Wild Coast Sun Golf Coaching Academy is not
championship golf course that stretches along the stunning Wild his first foray into progressing youngsters – he helped to plan and
Coast, practicing putting, chipping and bunker play. start the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) as well
“During quiet times of the year when the course is not busy, they as the Ernie Els Foundation. The SAGDB today operates around the
sometimes play an extra nine holes during the week.” The closure country.
of schools meant that the children could play more frequently,
while observing Covid-19 protocols such as wearing masks, and
the lessons are paying off – four of the children who started playing Coaching is my passion and
less than a year ago are now handicapped between a 12 and 16, I am excited to contribute
down from 36. “There are girls and boys, and three of the female
players in particular are doing very well.”
to the future of South
The children depend on donations and hand-me-downs for African golf by helping our
clothing and equipment, although Mentz says often what is youngsters get to grips with
donated is beyond usable. “The Mbizana Municipality has donated
two sets of clubs, and Fred Beaver, our golfing professional, also the game, and appreciate all
donates regularly.” The Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort the assistance I receive from
contributed t-shirts, trousers and caps to ensure a uniform look for the Wild Coast Sun Hotel and
the junior golfers.
Any school going child can come for lessons, but they have to Casino Resort.
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 9Let’s talk... SA Kids Golf The South African Kids Golf organisation started in 2004; the organisation is supported by the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) of South Africa and sanctioned by GolfRSA. SA Kids Golf holds 24 annual events at various golf courses in and around Gauteng, 12 in Western Cape and 12 in KwaZulu-Natal, and are busy exploring other provinces to host more events. SA Kids Golf (previously known as Little Kids Golf) is a Section 21 Non-Profit company which relies on sponsorships and fees from its members to achieve their mission. SA Kids Golf have been awarded the rights to hold qualifying events for the State Farm Youth Classic Golf Championships, the Kids Golf Malaysia Championships, the Pepsi Little Peoples Junior Golf Championship, the IMG Academy World Championships (previously Callaway), The Optimist International Championships, Australian Junior Golf Championships, Champions of Champions in Dublin Ireland, World Stars of Golf and FCG Callaway World Championships which are held annually in the United States, Australia and Malaysia. One qualifier event is held every year in February, over a period of two days and the top children in each age group are selected to play in these prestigious tournaments and represent SA Kids Golf.
SA Kids Golf is proud to host the SA Kids Junior African Challenge at San
Lameer Country Club from 23 to 26 August 2021 as well as the Dunbar Cup
on 27 August 2021.
This event will attract the top junior golfers from numerous countries. The
age groups will range from Boys U6 to Boys U18 and Girls U7 to Girls U18.
There will be individual age groups as well, except for the Boys and Girls U15-
18 age groups, which will be combined.
The event will be held over five days with the Monday being the official
practice round and the official tournament rounds taking place from the
Tuesday till the Thursday. A one day team event will be held on the Friday,
based on the Ryder Cup format and will also be played with South Africa being
the host country, competing against a team lead by American, European, and
international players for each age group. The top two children per age group
for South Africa will play against the top two International finishers per age
group.
Our Mission
It is our mission to promote kids golf at a level of competitiveness,
by creating opportunities and awareness of the rules of the game,
integrity and the etiquette of golf, while also enabling them to compete
internationally.
Our Values
• We promote golf etiquette
• We strive for service excellence
• We passionate about the game
of golf
• We respect each other
Our Vision
We aim to expose South
African kids to regular golf
tournaments in a fun and
competitive environment.
This has successfully been
achieved over the last 15
years in Gauteng through
monthly tournaments at local
golf clubs for children between
the ages of 5 and 14 years.
UP-AND-COMING EVENTS
DATE 9 HOLE (5 - 10 yrs) 18 HOLE (11 - 14 yrs) VENUE TOURNAMENT
27 - 28 Mar U11 Magalies Park Provincial FS & SA Kids U11 Team Challenge
11-Apr-21 Huddle Park GC SA Kids Golf Order of Merit
18-Apr-21 Waterkloof GC SA Kids Golf Order of Merit
09-May-21 Killarney CC SA Kids Golf Order of Merit
16-May-21 TBC SA Kids Golf Order of Merit
13-Jun-21 Houghton GC SA Kids Golf Order of Merit
20-Jun-21 Centurion CC SA Kids Golf Order of Merit
* DATES ISSUED CORRECT AT DATE OF GOING TO PRESS
CONTACT US:
63 Bryanston Dr, Sandton, Johannesburg 2021
Andrew Weir ( Chairman and Director)
Xolani Gambu (Director Operations)
Mobile: 082 255 4433 | Fax: 086 451 0285 | Email: info@sakidsgolf.co.za
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 11RISING STAR
By Simone Anderson and Lali Stander
Photos: GOLFRSA & Lesego Maimane
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 1211-year-old Zinan Maimane became the youngest golfer yet to join the GolfRSA
National Squad. In a career spanning six years, this grade six, Tyger Valley
College learner has bagged more than 50 trophies, including back-to-back wins in
the victorious Gauteng North teams that won the 2018 and 2019 Nomads U-13
Championships.
We caught up with Zinan to learn more about this young gun with the shy smile and deadly drive.
When Zinan was four years old, he used to love going with his dad
and older brother to the driving range and follow them around on
CHIP SHOTS with ZINAN
the course, when they played a round. He showed a keen interest BORN: Bloemfontein
in the game and when he turned six, his dad decided to buy him BIRTHDAY: 9 November 2008
his first set of clubs clubs and enrol him for golf lessons with Daniel GOLF CLUB & UNION: Silver Lakes Golf Club, Gauteng North Golf
Mosebi. Union
At this stage Zinan’s parents main focus was on his older brothers
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
game, who was 10 years old at the time. But as it turned out he did
not enjoy the game and ended up throwing in the towel two years
down the line, while Zinan continued to shine and fall more and • Member of Gauteng North winning team – 2018 Nomads SA
more in love with the game. U-13 Championship
• Winner (Under-10) – 2018 Junior Africa Challenge Tournament
Within three months of starting competitive golf, Zinan made the
• 4th – US Kids Golf European Championship (Under-10)
top two at the US Kids Golf World Championships qualifiers. By the • Member of Gauteng North winning team – 2019 Nomads SA
age of wight, he had achieved Provincial colours, was nominated U-13 Championship
into the U13 Gauteng North Union team and he has represented his • Winner (Under-11) – 2019 SA Kids Team Challenge
province with distinction ever since. • 9th – 2019 US Kids World Championship (Under-11)
For the first two years of his career, Zinan was coached exclusively • 2019 – SA Kids Golf Best Average Stroke Player of the Year
by his dad and Daniel Mosebi. His parents then decided that it was
time to get him more professional coaching and he was introduced
to TuksGolf. He was identified by Tuks Academy, at the age of eight, Tell us where and when your love affair with golf started.
while representing his province during the U13 Nomads held at the When I was four years old I used togo with my dad and older brother
Port Elizabeth Golf Club in 2017. to their golf practices and matches at Leopard Park in Mafikeng. I
He then joined TuksGolf under Coach Bradley Nienaber, who would only watch and play around with my brother’s clubs. When
we moved to Pretoria in 2014, my dad decided to buy me my own
has subsequently emigrated to Australia, but left Zinan in the good
clubs.Then I started taking golf lessons and fell in love with the game.
hands of Senior Elite Coach – Emile Steinmann and Head Coach –
Llewellyn Van Leeuwen. Are you the sort of golfer who sets yearly goals? If so,
Although golf is his absolute number one passion, Zinan also what goals have you set for yourself for next season?
loves to play soccer, hockey, cricket and athletics. He specifically Yes I do set goals for myself. My goal for the next season is to win the
enjoys high jump, sprints and middle distance. And like most boys Nomads Under-13 Championship, the Sun City Under-13 Challenge,
his age, he is also a PlayStation freak. the Gauteng North Golf Union Under-13 Order of Merit and the SA
Kids Golf 11-12 Order of Merit.
You are only 11 years old, but you have started to wet
your feet on the GolfRSA national junior circuit. How
tough is the transition to the national circuit and which
events do you intend to compete in 2021?
The transition is tough, but exciting, as I am going to undergo so
much change. I am ready for any obstacles and challenges that might
come my way. I think it is going to be an exciting year. I am planning
to take part in the Nomads Under-13 Championship, Sun
City Under-13 Challenge and the Junior Africa
Challenge. When the COVID-19 regulations
ease, I would also love to also
1participate in the US Kids European
and World Championships.RISING STAR
You were a member twice of the victorious Gauteng North teams
that won the Nomads SA Under-13 Championships. Both times –
at Koro Creek in 2018 and last year at Devonvale – you made vital
contributions to the team score. Tell us about the experience.
I enjoy team events very much. They are really nice. If you play badly or if you
feel disappointed in your performance on a specific day, your team-mates will
always motivate you to do better.
At Koro Creek, one of our team members fell ill and had to pull out of the
tournament. The pressure was hectic, because that meant my scores (good or
bad) contributed to the team’s performance. There was no room for mistakes,
because I did not want to disappoint my team. I tried hard to stay focused and
enjoy the game. I was really proud of myself for the contribution I made in the
first two days. Although the last day was disappointing for me, I still made a
contribution. I knew my capabilities and I took note of what I need to improve
on next time.
Talk to us about the strengths of your game and what are the
weaknesses or aspects of the game you still need to attend to.
My long game is my strength. My coach Llewelyn van Leeuwen has done a great
job to ensure that I keep on getting better and better. I still need to improve on
my chipping, but since I began working with coach Emile Steinman, I have seen
great improvements. We are working really hard to master my craft. I am blessed
to be part of the TuksGolf team.
You are the youngest amateur ever selected to be part of the
GolfRSA National Squad. How do you feel about making the grade?
I was super happy that I made history. My goal was always to make the National
Squad at the age of 15. I am very honoured to have achieved such a major
milestone, especially at my age.
How did you keep your game in form during the nationwide lockdown?
I practiced in my backyard. I have a hitting net, chipping net and a putting mat.
Immediately after my online school classes, I would work on my game.
What’s your favourite club in your bag?
I cannot really decide on a favourite, so I am going to give you my top three. In
no particular order, it’s my driver, 8-iron and lob-wedge.
Which are your favourite golf courses and which golf courses
would you still love to play?
My favourite golf course to play is Royal Johannesburg. I would love to play Eye
of Africa.
Who would you like to play with in your own Fantasy Fourball?
Most definately Louis Oosthuizen, in a heartbeat! Then Bubba Watson and Tiger
Woods.
Any hole-in-ones?
Nope, not yet. I have hit the flag and also lipped the hole many times, but I guess
luck has not been on my side just yet, but it is getting closer and closer.
What is the best piece of golfing advice you have ever received?
Keeping my head down when putting.
What advice would you give youngsters just starting in the game?
Before you move to the more advanced stuff, get the basics right.
Tell us five things about yourself that most people don’t know
I am a soccer fanatic. I also love playing PlayStation... my favourite PS games are
Fortnite and Fall Guys. My favourite song is Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots.
Most people think I am 14 years old - he giggles.
Which tournaments would you most like to win and why?
If I win one of the national amateur tournaments, I would be so proud of
myself. And if I won my age group in the US Kids World Championships, it
would be my first international win.
If you had to pick one animal to describe yourself, what would
it be and why?
A Dolphin. They are kind, sweet, friendly and very intelligent. That is me in
short.
Describe the best meal you’ve had while on the road and where
you had it.
A chicken burger at McDonald’s.What is your favourite season and
why?
I really like spring, because it is neither cold
nor hot.
Is there anything you are addicted to
or can’t live without?
All screens... The TV, my cellphone and my
PlayStation.
Tell us something you dislike doing and
why?
A speech, because I am quite shy.
When you were younger, what did you want to
become when you grew up?
I honestly never had a plan.
Describe yourself in one word.
Energetic.
What movie can you watch again and again and why?
The Fast and the Furious. I just really like the movie.
Tell us three things you consider yourself to be really good at.
PlayStation games, FIFA to be specific; Sports and Mathematics.
What three things would you want to have on a deserted island and why?
Water and food for survival and cellphone reception to keep in touch with the real
world.
If golf wasn’t an option, what would you pursue and why?
I would become a Civil Engineer and take over my dads company.
If they made a movie about your life, which actor would you pick
to play you and why?
Kevin Hart. He is a talented actor and I really enjoy his movies.
What are your biggest fears?
Tarantula spiders give me the creeps.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it
be and why?
Bill Gates. He looks like an amazing person.
If you could meet and have lunch with anyone in the world (real,
fictitious, from any time period, dead or alive) who would you choose?
Tiger Woods.
Any superstitions? (not just on the golf course!)
I don’t have any.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Staying in my pyjamas the whole day.
Words to live by….
Be humble.
If we gave you a free plane ticket anywhere, where would you go and why?
France. It looks like a really nice place. I would also like to go to Disneyland Paris.
I’m not embarrassed to say that …
I can easily spend 30 minutes in the bathroom (LOL).
What is your favourite quote from a movie or a person?
“It is about to go down” - Kevin Hart.
What is still on the bucket list for Zinan
Maimane?
• Meet Bubba Watson
• Meet Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson
• Visit Disneyland Paris
• Watch Chelsea live at Stamford Bridge
• Watch El Clásico live
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 15TURF TO PLAY
By Nick Herbert – The Travelling Golf Dad
Mount Edgecombe Country Club has two 18-hole championship courses, and the older
Course One was upgraded about 20 years ago when the Mount Edgecombe residential
estate was initially developed. Originally known as the Huletts Country Club, and created
by Sid Brews in 1936, the course was upgraded and modernised in 1992 by Hugh
Baiocchi, and is one of the few courses in the country to meet the USGA specifications.
Mount Edgecombe Course One, now known as The Woods, is a Having shortened the 6th hole from a Par 5 to a Par 3, it has the
parkland layout, and this extremely attractive golf course has hosted golfer playing a Par 70 shortish track which is hilly and asks the golfer
numerous amateur as well as professional tournaments and will to hit accurate drives within a lush parklands setting with palm trees,
therefore test any level of golfer. With four sets of tees, the course is roaming antelope and wind to ensure you are kept fully engaged from
playable by golfers of any handicap. hole to hole.
Durban in March has to be the best climate and the reason why so Did I say lush? Try “super lush” as the area has had exceptional rains -
many have retired in this massively grown area right out to Ballito on highest in 50 years according to course manager Kevin Stone. His focus
the North coast of Kwazulu Natal. A mere 25 minutes from the airport is now on hardening the greens to ensure pitch marks are minimal and
and you enter the Mount Edgecombe compound. The estate is huge cutting the rough almost daily to ensure rounds are not slowed down
with two great courses to challenge you off the tees and on the greens. by hunting for balls every hole.
My son and I played The Woods, which has less water to negotiate We played on a quiet Monday morning on a cart and completed our
than the sister course, aptly named “The Lakes”. round in three hours flat.
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021• page 16The condition right now is truly tiptop with greens running quick
downhill but very slow on the uphill’s which we failed to adjust to.
Bunkers are not beach sand which was surprising and instead more of
a clay or heavier type - still very playable and no plugged lies.
Holes that we enjoyed the most were the short uphill Par 4, 5th
hole which stretches out of the tips to 278m. The highlight of the back
nine was a tough downhill Par 3, 14th which normally plays into the
wind and is 180m with water in play.
There are three special holes that constitute the course’s “Amen
Corner” from the 14th to 16th. Holes 14 to 16 are where water
hazards come into play. The first one is a par 5 with water guarding
the green, followed by a par 3 across water, and a par 4 where a dam
must be carried to reach the fairway. These 3 holes normally are the
deciding holes in club championships.
A slight drawback to our Monday round was that the halfway house
didn’t have many food options, but this can be understood due to low
traffic.
My overall rating 80/100 and currently ranks 55th on my personal
freehandicaps.com personal Top100 tracks played.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kevin Stone - Golf Director
031 502 1010
golfdirector@mountedgecombe.com
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 17TURF TO PLAY
18 Holes at
Kau Sai Chau
The Jockey Club Public Golf Course in Hong Kong
By Mareli Joubert - Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy
In the last issue we played the North course at Kau Sai Chau. This
time we play the East course – designed by Nelson & Haworth. It is
a cart only course and provides some incredible views from
the tee to the green.
Measuring at 5509m from the club tees it might not be the longest golf
course but with the challenge of some blind tee shots to undulating
fairways it definitely grabs your attention. Whether starting on the first
or the tenth, neither one of these holes are an easy start.
HOLE 1: A beautiful opening par 5 measuring at 490m which allows
for longer hitters to really go at their first tee shot! The second shot
requires either a very well struck fairway wood, as the approach to the
green plays uphill or a well-placed lay-up shot, can set you up with a
wedge in hand, but well positioned fairway bunkers are positioned to
catch miscalculated layup shots. 1st Hole
HOLE 2: At 345m this par 4 has lots to offer! With no visual to the
green due to a steep downhill fairway from approximately 150m out,
the tee shot is crucial. Players have to carry a ravine and shots pushed
to the right require a longer carry, so accuracy is paramount. The South
China Sea is to the back of this green and with the drop in elevation
for your second shot, club selection is key to set you up for a birdie
opportunity.
HOLE 3: A tight 170m terraced par 3 with cliffs to the right and dense
vegetation to the left. The smart play is for the left side of the green
2nd Hole
to set up a par or better. With a well sized green the hole location
definitely add another layer of complexity to this strong par 3!
HOLE 4: This 360m par 4 can quickly get players to go from hero to
zero. Generally playing down wind, and with the downhill fairway, it
is very inviting to bomb it. The horizon green is protected by a deep
fairway bunker and protrudes to the sea.
HOLE 5: This par 3 of 205m from the back tee, plays across a small
coastal inlet to a large amphitheater green protected by bunkers to the
front and left. Club selection on this hole is key as it plays longer than
what the distance is. 3rd Hole
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021• page 184th Hole 5th Hole 6th Hole
HOLE 6: A tough blind uphill tee shot gets this 520m par 5 HOLE 9: Drive a long shot to shorten the approach which is a forced carry
underway, which if placed well will set up the next shot nicely for over a natural stream. Fairway is large but with the greenside bunker right, the
either a go at the green for the big hitters or a lay-up short right. design rewards a risky drive played down the left side. Par is a great score here!
Probably one of the trickiest greens on the course, positioning with
your second or approach shot will be very helpful in converting a HOLE 10: Shortest of the par 5s at 450m off the back tee. Distance
good score for this hole. is critical off the tee to make the second carry over the ravine an easier
prospect. The widest part of the second landing area is at the green
HOLE 7: Definitely a scoring opportunity with this short par 4. A so you may as well go for it! A tough decision to go for it or to lay up,
well placed tee shot of 230m will leave you between the two fairway depending on your drive both shots definitely deserve good strategy.
bunkers with a good view for your approach to a large raised green.
HOLE 11: A dramatic downhill par 4 with views of the rugged
HOLE 8: At 220m from the back tees, it’s the toughest par 3. It’s all coastline as a backdrop. Bunkers short and right at the green favour an
carry to the green with the only bail out to the left side. Slightly easier approach from the left side of the fairway, but going to far to the right
from the forward tees if the wind isn’t blowing but by no means an limits fairway. The green is large although strongly contoured with a
easy feat! small bailout to the left side.
10th Hole 11th Hole 12th Hole
HOLE 12: Shortest of the par 4s at 270m which may tempt the big HOLE 15: This short downhill par 3 of 130m is all about club selection
hitters but the smarter play is 200m to the middle of the fairway to set and distance control to place a ball on the green between the front
up a short pitch to the raised green which is well protected by deep bunker and ravine over the back. My favourite corner of the course with
bunkers to the left and right. beautiful scenery and views of a stunning secluded sandy bay.
HOLE 13: Another classic par 3 at 180m, the tee shot plays from an HOLE 16: This par 5 plays up a natural valley and is one of only three
elevated tee to a visually intimidating green set on the top of a mountain. uphill holes. With the tee shot at an angle it is all about club selection, as the
This hole offers 360-degree views of the South China Sea. Beautiful but straighter line you take the longer the carry gets. The ideal second shot should
brutal when the wind blows. carry the large bunker to the left to allow for a good angle into the green.
HOLE 14: This breath-taking dog leg left par 4 provides spectacular HOLE 17: A long par 4 of 400m requires a good tee shot. The safer
views of the surrounding mountains and islands as it plays out into the play is to the left but those taking a tiger line down the right will be
South China Sea. Measuring at 320m the afternoon winds can really up rewarded with an easier shot to the green which is heavily protected
the ante on this hole as an errand tee shot in either direction will be by the left green side bunkers. Pay attention to pin placement because
caught out. there’s a deep swale through the middle of the green.
13th Hole 14th Hole 15th Hole 16th Hole
HOLE 18: This very challenging par 5 finishing hole requires a tee shot of about 220m to just get over the
crest of the hill. This will open the views up to the green and second landing area has a huge drop in elevation
and is some 40 meters lower. A well calculated second shot will go a long way to get into a good position to
finish your round strong!
With 5 par 3’s it is a great test of your mid iron play with most par
3’s requiring accuracy and distance. Some of the par 4’s provide
great scoring opportunities and the par 5’s offer something
for everyone, the East Course rounds up to overall a good test
for players. For newer golfers playing the East course it can
potentially have a negative effect on your ball count for the day
with a number of shots requiring shots played over ravines but
with its magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, fishing
villages and Sai Kung town it is a golfer’s paradise!
17th Hole
junior golfer south africa • march/april 2021 • page 19You can also read
