Edwards takes Amateur Champs (incl pic)

Edward takes Amateur ChampsIn a fitting end to the Championship Nigel Edwards(Wales) was crowned the SANLAM SA Amateur Champion, when he beat Won Joon Lee by a margin of 2up in a hard fought 36 hole final.

After missing the first 4 greens in regulation, Edwards knuckled down and despite the immense length off the tee by Lee, established a rythm in which greens and pars were the order of the day. Fitting in perfectly with his game, Edwards waited till the par 3 9th and using his distance control and smooth putting stroke scored a birdie two to establish a 1 hole lead. This was extended to two holes at the short 12th when Edwards holed from 40 feet again for birdie two.

Despite building what was thought to be a comfortable lead of 3 up with 9 to go, Edwards suffered a lapse of concentration, in which he lost the 10th, 11th and 12 holes. His lead now gone, Edwards once again returned to his greens and pars approach. Having won the 14th hole with a par to retake the lead Edwards hit a superb shot into the 16th and holed out from 3 feet to go dormie 2 up. Lee was not giving up though and scored a superb birdie on the long 17th to force the match down the 18th. After a conservative tee shot, Edwards hit a majestic second to 8 feet. Lee feeling he needed to make 2 to extend the match into extra holes was a bit bold with his chip which rolled agonizingly beyond the flag into a lateral hazard. Edwards par was then enough to secure a two up win and the title of the 2006 SANLAM SA Amateur Champion. Along with the title, Edwards gets exemption into the 2007 SAA SA Open to be played at Humewood Golf Club.

In the all French final for the Godbold Bowl, Anthony Pailler came through as a 2/1 winner over national team mate, Jean Jacque Wolff despite only going up for the first time in the match on the 34th hole. After loosing the first two holes in the match, Pailler fought bravely preventing Wolff from extending this lead. In a tight game that never had a margin of more then two holes, Paillers gritty determination paid dividends in the end as Wolff faultered.

After a successful 2006 SANLAM SA Amateur, we look forward to seeing continued International participation in the future SANLAM SA Amateur Championships.

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