SA claims third at International Team Mid-Am Champs
South Africa defeated France to claim third place in their debut performance at the International Team Mid-Amateur Championship at Golf Du Medoc Resort near Bordeaux on Sunday.
The South Africans emerged victorious from the tightly-fought battle against the host nation on a stormy, rain-interrupted day to claim a 2-1 victory.
Josef Fourie from Free State and Western Province’s Greg Sheard were two down in the Foursomes at the turn, but levelled the game down the back nine and won at the first extra hole of the championship Chateaux course.
Central Gauteng’s David Muller lost his Singles game 1-down, but Graeme Watson from Ekurhuleni launched a superb comeback over the last three holes to secure the win for South Africa.
The reigning Volvo SA Mid-Amateur Stroke Play champion was 1-down, but sunk a tough par putt at the 16th to square the game. He chipped in at the 17th to take the lead and halved the 18th in pars to win 1-up.
“All three games against France was very tight, but the team showed great courage to come from behind and take the bronze,” said team manager and SAGA Assistant Executive Director, Neil Homann.
“The Test against France and the championship was a fantastic experience for the players and we are very proud of their achievement and their great fighting spirit.”
Meanwhile finalists Sweden and Italy shared the trophy after the teams finished all square.
“The organisers decided that the teams would share the trophy because it had grown too dark for the match to continue, and the Swedes had to catch a flight on Sunday night and couldn’t stay until Monday,” Homann said.
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.