The 2023 GolfRSA Champion of Champions, delivered by The Courier Guy, came to an exciting conclusion as Bryanston’s Thabiso Dijo celebrated back-to-back success in the Caddie Division and six first-time champions were crowned in October.

The 36-hole National Final of the popular series was hosted by Pecanwood Golf and Country Estate for the first time, and the magnificent Jack Nicklaus signature championship course proved a superb test in the quest to find the country’s ultimate club champions.

 

 

CADDIE DIVISION

Thabiso Dijo earned the bragging rights with a runaway nine-stroke victory when the Caddie Division was introduced at the National Final in the 2022 edition at Kyalami Country Club, but he had to work hard to seal successive wins at Pecanwood.

Tied for first with Thomas Masetle from Benoni Lake after opening rounds of 75, Bryanston’s Dijo produced a string of crucial pars coming home on the final day to pull clear of Masetle to win by three shots with a final round 78. “The competition this year was definitely a lot tougher, and I had a great time going toe-to-toe with Thomas. He made me work for this win, but I just stayed patient and tried to play my own game. I think that is why this one feels even more special,” said Dijo.

“I hope that the great golf from all the caddies who played this year will inspire even more caddies to enter next year. A very big thank you to the management, staff and the members at The Bryanston Country Club for all your support – I am bringing this one home for you.”

 

A-DIVISION WOMEN

Gauteng North’s Gina da Silva went wire-to-wire with rounds of 70-71 to win by six strokes from up-and-coming GolfRSA National Squad member Ellandri van Heerden.

“Third time’s a charm, and I am really happy I pulled it through because my son told me I better not come home without a trophy this time,” joked Centurion’s Da Silva.

“On a serious note, I am so proud of this achievement. I have made the National Final twice before and I have been in contention, so it feels really great to lift the trophy at last. This is such a fantastic tournament. I enjoy the fun and camaraderie off the course, and the very competitive side when we step on the golf course. It’s a huge honour to walk away from this as the champion for my club and for my golf union.”

 

A-DIVISION MEN
The Men’s Division went right down to the wire in a battle between first round leaders Tokkie van den Berg from Pretoria Country Club and Durbanville’s Sean Howell.

Tied coming down the final hole, Van den Berg’s second finished short and Howell was on the green for two. The Gauteng North golfer gave himself a great chance to force a play-off with a superb chip to six feet, but when his par-putt ringed the hole, Howell nailed the clutch five-footer for birdie and clinched victory with a final round 75.

“I was actually shaking a little over that putt; I had to really calm my nerves. I feel for Tokkie, because he played superb golf and just wouldn’t go away,” the delighted Howell said.

“It’s a fantastic tournament and it is just as competitive as any national event on the GolfRSA circuit. I felt really privileged to tee it up in the final, because I came second in the regional final, and when the winner had to withdraw for medical reasons, I was offered his spot. I just wanted to make the most of this opportunity, and I am chuffed that I could to everyone proud. As a club golfer, this is the ultimate prize.”

 

B-DIVISION MEN

Gersh Titus from Northern Cape had driven eight hours to play in his first B-Division final, and it was nearly over before it begun. “I injured my wrist with my opening tee-shot. It was really tough to compete, because I couldn’t hit a full swing,” said the first-time winner from Upington. “I thought that I might have to pull out, but the organisers were fantastic. They came out on the course and taped me up, and somehow, I shot 80 in the first round to lead.”
Titus closed with an 81 to edge Johan Botha by five shots for the win. “I came out here to show all the Northern Cape children that you can do anything if you work hard. I hope they will take inspiration from me and continue to chase their dreams.”

 

B-DIVISION WOMEN

“I am so excited about this that if I could still do cartwheels, I’d do some right now,” said Women’s B-Division winner Russo Roberts-Gouws, who won her first title with rounds of 76 and 85. “What an amazing experience. The organisation in bringing all these champions from all over the country was impeccable and we were treated like professionals throughout. Hats off to GolfRSA, Paul and Brit Adams and The Courier Guy on recognising the club golfers and for hosting us with such grace and style. I am really proud to win my first title and I hope it’s not my last National Final.”

 

C-DIVISION MEN

Another competitor who had a whale of a time in his debut was Southern Cape’s Jaco de Lange, who won the Men’s C-Division with rounds of 35 and 33. “I’ve been playing golf for over 40 years and it’s the first time that I experienced something of this standard,” said the George golfer. “It has been three unbelievable days. We have struck up a lot of new friendships, and the rivalry has been incredible. This course is a proper test, and to win this is the ultimate achievement in my career.”

 

C-DIVISION WOMEN

Herine van der Merwe from Standerton Golf Club in Mpumalanga took the honours in the Women’s C-Division with a 4-point victory after posting rounds of 37 and 30. “It’s the second time I made it to the National Final and it was even better than my first time,” the Mpumalanga golfer said. “The course was very tricky, because you have these big, generous fairways littered with bunkers and the greens were slick and fast. I’m super proud to be this year’s champion and I want to tell every club golfer who didn’t try out this year, that you don’t know what you are missing. Sign up next year because everyone should experience this amazing tournament at least once.”