Dream debut for Cornwall Hill in 2024 Ernie Els SA Primary School Championship

Cornwall Hill Collage soared to victory in the 13th Ernie Els SA Primary Schools Championship at Waterkloof Golf Club; credit GolfRSA

26 July 2024 – Cornwall Hill College celebrated a dream debut victory in the 2024 Ernie Els SA Primary Schools Championship in Tshwane in July.

With three scores to count, Centurion’s Cornwall Hill College laid the foundation for the sterling victory with an opening round of 231 at Waterkloof Golf Club.

Taking a 19-stroke lead into the final round, the team of 2024 Sun City U-13 Challenge winner Aiden Combrinck, Luke Wickens, and Jacques and Gerrie Olivier posted 222 on the final day of the 36-hole event.

The quartet and soared to a 26-stroke victory in the school’s first appearance, combining for a winning score of 21-over-par 453, and leaving Laërskool Roodekrans a distant second on 480. Grey Junior School finished third on 286.

And 2024 Sun City U-13 Challenge winner Combrinck gave Cornwall Hill College another reason to celebrate. The 12-year-old Ekurhuleni junior fired rounds of 73 and 74 to edge Grey Junior School’s Jarred Froy by one shot for the Individual honours.

2024 Ernie Els SA Primary Schools Championship winners Cornwall Hill College at Waterkloof Golf Club; credit GolfRSA

“I am really proud of all four lads for really putting their hands up this week,” said team manager Nathan Olivier. “It was our first appearance in such a big and prestigious event, so my message to the team was simple. Do your best, play one shot at a time and then move on. And remember that golf is just a game.

“The win means a lot to me as manager. Golf is such a test of character and seeing all the players out there doing what they do best, but with a calmness and humbleness, was inspiring. Our boys went out there and knew exactly what was expected from them. They really played their hearts out, which is all a coach can ask for and they deserved all the credit.

“Cornwall Hill College is very proud of their achievement and seeing our school’s name engraved on the trophy. Thank you to GolfRSA and Waterkloof Golf Club on hosting a highly competitive and hugely successful tournament. We hope to be back next year to defend our title.”

This was the 13th year that golfing legend Els has sponsored the tournament, and Ernie Els Business Development Manager Nico van Rensburg said the four-time Major winner is proud to see how much the event has grown.

“Ernie has been doing this for a long time and it shows just how committed he is to grow the game in South Africa. These kinds of events are incredibly important in the development of our young talent, and it was fantastic to see so many good players and great swings here this week.

“On behalf of Ernie, I would like to wish our juniors well, especially those that will be moving to high schools next year and I would also like to thank the parents. Behind every successful golfer, there is as strong support team, and it was wonderful to see so many of you make the trip to Waterkloof in support of your children and their teams.”

TEAM RESULTS
453 Cornwall Hill College 231 222
480 Laërskool Roodekrans 235 245
486 Grey Junior School 245 241
490 Southdowns College 246 244
491 Steyn City School 248 243
501 Laërskool George-Suid 253 248; Laërskool Saamtrek 257 253
514 Laërskool Rynfield 251 263
516 Paarl Boys Primary 252 264
527 Laërskool Eikestad 263 264
551 Laërskool Brits 275 276
554 Laër Volkskool Heidelberg 275 279

INDIVIDUAL RESULT (Top 10)
147 Aiden Combrinck 73 74
148 Jarryd Froy 75 73
150 De Wet Hills 78 72
152 Jacques Olivier 78 74
154 Gerrie Olivier 80 74
155 Jordan Olwagen 78 77
157 Blake Venter 80 77
158 Daniel van den Berg 78 80; Aidan Brunnock 78 80
159 Nqobani Dlamini 78 81; Dehan van der Merwe 77 82