Image: Craig Stirton/ SADGA
Team South stormed to victory in the SADGA Provincial Challenge, beating Team North 17-6 at the Uitenhage Golf Club on Sunday.
After the first day’s play which saw the teams tied on 2.5-2.5, Team South played exceptional golf on day two.
Of the eight points available via alternate-shot and better-ball, South managed to claim an astonishing seven which gave them a mammoth 9.5-3.5 lead.
With Team South needing just three points available from the singles on Sunday, the North had a mountain to climb and one which proved insurmountable.
Leg-amputee Kean Dry made a fast start in his match against Derrick Swart, racing to a 6-up advantage after seven holes before ultimately prevailing 7 and 6.
First Swing Program Academy golfer Simo Mdudu also delivered a clinical final day performance for non-playing captain Pieter Verwey — demolishing blind golfer Leon Strydom 9 and 8.
Uitenhage Golf Club’s Christo de Jager capped a phenomenal weekend at his home track with a comprehensive 6 and 5 win over Dean Ferreira.
De Jager secured 3.5 points out of a possible four over the weekend.
The Les Autres golfer has now won three Provincial Challenge titles with three different teams: Western Province, Rest of Country and now Team South.
With the result determined, there were also victories for Kosie Janse van Rensburg (6 and 4); Trevor Reich (4 and 2) and Lance du Toit (3 and 2).
The North did, however, manage a couple of consolation wins, with Hanjo Bester (3 and 2) and Rupert Fortmann (2 and 1) ending the weekend on a high.
Team North’s Johan du Plooy also played some great golf en route to a half with Brandon Shaw.