Golfing Galant brothers dominate in Rondebosch

Tristan Galant’s 2-under-par 70 saw him win the Bridge Fund Junior Series event at Rondebosch.

It was a proud day for the Galant family of Belhar as teen brothers Tristan and Jaydon dominated the u19 and u13 divisions respectively of the prestigious Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series tournament at Rondebosch Golf Club on Tuesday 11 December 2018.

Tristan, who recently turned 17, bookended his round with a birdie on the opening hole and two birdies to finish, as he shot 70 to win the u19 division on a scorching hot day on the fairways. His 11-year-old brother parred the final nine holes on the way to shooting a magnificent 74 to claim the u13 title.

By winning the u19 title Tristan qualifies for the regional finals of the #BridgeJuniorSeries in April 2019 where the ultimate prize is an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the glittering Junior North and South Championship at Pinehurst, USA.

Tristan is considering taking up an offer to complete his high schooling at a golf academy in South Carolina, but will fly back to Cape Town to compete in the Bridge regional final in April. “I really want to win that trip to play Pinehurst,” he says. “I feel that if I prepare well I can compete on any course.”

The brothers, both members of King David Mowbray Golf Club, look set to follow in the footsteps of their uncle Mervin Galant who played as a professional golfer on the Sunshine Tour. “My uncle is an excellent coach. He doesn’t focus too much on technique, but is more about feel, and touch around the greens,” says Tristan, who is also coached by Paul McKenzie.

The highlight of Tristan’s round was on the 5th hole where his drive of about 300m nestled just short of the green, and he stepped up to chip in for an eagle two.

 

Jaydon Galant emulated his older brother by winning the U13 division.

Young Jaydon can’t bomb his drives like his strapping older brother … not yet! So, he has a more conservative game plan. “The key for me is to stay calm, hit a lot of fairways so I have clear shots to the greens, and then back myself to sink some putts,” says Jaydon, a Grade 4 pupil at Erica Primary, Belhar.

Grant Hepburn, the CEO of Golf RSA thanked Bridge Fund Managers for their continuing support of the series. “It is difficult to secure sponsors, so we were very happy when they came on board 18 months ago. In July this year the first two regional final winners were flown to compete at Pinehurst, and this is an incredible opportunity for our juniors, something really special.”

The #BridgeJuniorSeries launched in July 2017 with 16 tournaments countrywide featuring Under-19 and Under-13 divisions for boys and girls. Endorsed by GolfRSA, the series is managed by Peter Little of the South African Golf Development Board.

“Tristan and Jaydon are wonderful golfers and do the SA Golf Development Board proud with their golfing skills and their attitude,” says Paul Stewart, Executive Director at Bridge Fund Managers

Visit juniorseries.bridgefm.co.za for the full schedule and entry mechanism, or contact Peter Little of the SAGDB on littlegolfers2@gmail.com.

Written by Doug Carew on behalf of the SA Golf Development Board.