French likely to be a stern test for South Africa

A strong six man French amateur golf team take on South Africa in a two day test match starting on Thursday at the Ernie Els designed Gardener Ross Golf and Country Estate located between Pretoria and Krugersdorp.

“With four of their top six amateur golfers participating, the French will provide a stern test for our boys over the coming two days,” is how Colin Burger, South African Golf Association President and team manager, summed up the task at hand.

The first day of the test match comprises three foursomes matches followed by six singles. The foursomes commence at 07h00 and the singles from 11h30.

Each match counts for one point. The team recording the highest number of points at the end of the competition will win the test match.

“Our team is ready and prepared,” said Burger. “We are going to have to produce a solid all round performance if we are to recapture the winner’s trophy from the French.”

This contest between two strong golf playing nations is an annual occurrence which alternates between the two countries. Last year the French beat South Africa, however the year prior the local team beat the French in an exciting encounter that went down to the final match.

Friday is the final day of the test match. The teams will play betterball in the morning and singles in the afternoon.

First Round Draw (3 February 2011)

Foursomes

07h00 Ryan Dreyer & Rickus Nortje (RSA) vs Thomas Elissade & Clement Sorbet (FRA)

07h08 Ruan de Smidt & CJ du Plessis (RSA) vs Julien Brun & Clement Berardo (FRA)

07h16 Brandon Stone & Danny Hammond (RSA) vs Edouard Espana & Alexander Levy (FRA)

Singles

11h30 Danny Hammond (RSA) vs Thomas Elissade (FRA)

11h38 Ruan de Smidt (RSA) vs Clement Sorbet (FRA)

11h46 Ryan Dreyer (RSA) vs Julien Brun (FRA)

11h54 Rickus Nortje (RSA) vs Clement Berardo (FRA)

12h04 CJ du Plessis (RSA) vs Edouardo Espana (FRA)

12h12 Brandon Stone (RSA) vs Alexander Levy (FRA)