Modderfontein ready to impress Open Champion

Modderfontein Golf Club’s four-man side is primed to pull out all the stops to impress former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen in their title defence at the Louis Oosthuizen South African Junior Club Championship this weekend.

Dylan Naidoo, Marco Steyn and Karabo Mokoena return for duty with Eric Wowor, who will make his debut in the 54-hole championship that tees off at Mossel Bay Golf Club on Saturday.

Naidoo said there is a lot of pride on the line for the team.

“You always hear people talking about Gary Player, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen,” he said.

“We know they have impressive records, but for us youngsters, Louis is guy we identify with. He is closer to our age and have all been following him since he turned pro.

“The juniors admire really admire Louis and it’s a great honour to lift a trophy with his name on. We were really proud to win last year, but since Louis announced that he will sponsor the SA Junior Club Champs for three more years, we are even more determined it again.”

The Modderfontein quartet erased a four stroke deficit in the final round last year to defeat overnight leaders Polokwane for the title at Clarens Golf Club.

“The tournament has a really high standard of competition,” said Steyn. “It’s an intense battle over three rounds and everyone chases one target – the trophy with Louis’ name on it.

“It’s going to be even tougher this year, because we will have a target on our backs, but we are ready to face the challenge.”

Karabo said the team expects strong opposition from the local line-up.

“The Fancourt, Kingswood Country Club and Pinnacle Point teams could pose a real challenge, because they know how to play these coastal courses when the wind gets up,” Steyn said.

“The guys from the Louis Oosthuizen Academy 57 will be playing for pride, too, and they could be the guys to beat.”

Jordon Duminy, Mentz Germishuis, Marcus Smal and Martin Vorster will represented the Louis Oosthuizen Academy 57.

Other teams hunting a podium finish at the course where Oosthuizen shot his famous 57 include Rondebosch, Steenberg, Klerksdorp, Randpark, Kempton Park, Nelspruit, Centurion, Middelburg, Mount Edgecombe, Kimberley, State Mines, Bloemfontein, Blue Valley, Dainfern and Royal Durban.