Let the promotion battle begin

Recently crowned Joburg Junior Open champion Keagan Thomas will lead a strong KwaZulu-Natal team into the B-Division promotion battle at the South African Junior Inter-Provincial, which kicks off at Krugersdorp Golf Club on Monday.

The Hilton College graduate claimed a one stroke victory in the final national stroke play event of the season at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington’s tough East Course on Friday.

The 18-year-old Pietermaritzburg golfer hopes to ride that confidence to further success when he combines with Gregory Mckay against Philip Niemand and Johann Burke from North West Province in the opening Foursomes.

Luke Mayo, who held a share of the first round lead in the Joburg Junior Open and eventually shared second, will team up with Matt Saulez against Aldre Terblamce and Herman Anderson.

Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation star Anuerin Gounden will partner Ruben Coetzer against Tiaan Maree and Christiaan Burke, while Ben Botha and Jason Broomhead line up against Patrick Ntogae and Andre van Wyk.

The rest of the teams fighting for promotion include Eastern Province, Border, Boland, Free State and Mpumalanga.