SA duo’s run ends in Argentina

Top ranked South African pair Teaghan Gauche and Tristen Strydom were both eliminated in the 120th Argentine Amateur Championship in Argentina on Thursday.

Torrential rain in Buenos Aires rendered the Tortugas Golf Club unplayable on Wednesday and forced the organisers to not only shorten the first round to nine holes, but reduce the 36-hole stroke play qualifier to just 27 holes.

Gauche from Gauteng North carded an even-par 34 over the first nine holes in the first round, while Strydom from Ekurhuleni finished on two over after eight pars and a double bogey at the par-four second.

Gauche finished inside the top 32 that advanced to the match play stage after returning a one over 71 in round two to tie for 22nd on one-over-par 105.

Strydom rallied with a birdie-birdie finish, but a 72 left him two strokes over the qualifying mark, set at two over 107.

Robin Dawson from Ireland opened with 35 and reeled in five birdies and an eagle at the par-five 10th for a 64 to win the qualifier on five under 99.

Fellow Irishman Geoffrey Lenehan shared second on four under with defending champion Miguel Sancholuz from Argentina and his fellow countryman Andres Gallegos, Cameron John from Australia and Eric Banks, a member of the victorious Canadian team who successfully defended the Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup on Sunday.

Gauche faced off against 10th seed Gaston Romero from the host nation in the first round of the match play championship, but lost the match 5 & 4.

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

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