Rebula stays on track for Sanlam SA Amateur final

Southern Cape’s Jovan Rebula reeled off four birdies and two eagles to scorch his way into the semi-finals of the Match Play at the Sanlam South African Amateur Championship at Silver Lakes Golf Estate on Thursday.

Rebula, winner of the 2014 Proudfoot Trophy, dispatched the number two ranked SA amateur Jason Smith 3&2 in his morning quarterfinal match.

“My start today was awesome. If you’re two up after two it sets you up well as you’re on the front foot always,” said the number 14 ranked junior in the country.

“I was really putting well today, I think I had 12 putts through nine holes.

“Mentally my game is very good right now, I’m hitting fairways and greens so that’s all that you need,” added the 17-year-old.

Rebula’s opponent in the last four in the afternoon will be Scotland’s Calum Fyfe who beat compatriot Connor Syme 4&3.

The Cawder Golf Club golfer was seven under after 10 holes, and eventually closed out his match on the 15th hole.

“I was hitting it really good and every shot seemed to go straight at the pin. I lipped out twice for birdie on the front nine,” said Fyfe who turns 18 in May.

“The putts were just dropping from 10 feet and in. I’ve just been practising away and everything seems to be clicking at the moment.”

In the other half of the draw, Durbanville Golfer Adam Botha beat Marco Steyn of Modderfontein Golf Club 2&1. Botha will come up against Scot Daniel Young who won his match 3&1 against Rustenburg Golf Club’s Theunie Bezuidenhout.

Botha was on form with seven birdies in his round, and a positive mindset was key to his good play he explained.

“I just played some amazing shots today, it was just a lot of fun. I just kept my head and tried to hit some good shots,” said Botha.

“I made quite a few birdies and I’m really chuffed with my result.

I can feel the emotions. I have a lot of confidence in myself and I definitely think I can make it into the final. I’m just going to focus on what’s in front of me and keep doing what I’m doing.”

The last four begin their rounds at noon.