SA bows out to France in Bordeaux

France’s national mid-amateur team edged out South Africa by one point in the final to lift the prestigious International Team Mid-Amateur Championship title at the Golf Du Medoc Resort near Bordeaux on Sunday.

South Africa downed France 2-1 to take third place in their debut at the top international team competition last year and the French side returned the favour, defeating South Africa 2-1 to celebrate a home victory.

Elton James from Western Province and Central Gauteng’s Steve Williams lost the opening Foursomes 2&1 to Gregoire Brizay and Loic Arrieula, but Free State’s Josef Fourie thumped Thibault Courmont 4 & 2 to level the score.

The title fight came down to the tussle between South Africa’s top ranked mid-amateur Gerlou Roux from Western Province and local hero Julien Brocas.

It was a tightly contested battle that went right down the wire, but Brocas clinched the victory for France when he defeated Roux 1-up.

Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.