SA looking ahead after French loss

South Africa’s top ranked mid-amateurs lost 5.5 – 2.5 to the French in a two-day Test, but local heroes are already focussed on the International Team Mid-Amateur Championship, which tees off at Golf Du Medoc Resort near Bordeaux in France on Friday.

The French team won two games and halved another at the Vignes Course on Wednesday to take a one point lead into the final day Singles at the par-72 Chateaux Course.

Three down in two games and two down in the other two at the turn, the players fought valiantly to turn things around on the back nine, but the end result still went the way of the French.

Former number one Greg Sheard from Western Province lost 1-down to Julien Brocas, while Stephan Barosa beat Central Gauteng’s David Muller 2 & 1.

Reigning SA Volvo Mid-Amateur Stroke Play champion, Graeme Watson from Ekurhuleni, was upstaged by Greg Britzay, who knocked in three shots from outside than 30 meters over the last couple of holes to triumph 3&2.

Josef Fourie from the Free State, however, lived up to his number one billing when he defeated Loic Arrieula 1-up.

The loss was disappointing, but team manager and SAGA Assistant Executive Director, Neil Homann, said the team was already looking ahead at the International Team Mid-Amateur Championship that tees off at the Chateaux Course on Friday.

“The Test was a great way for the guys to get to know the layout and to get into a strong competitive spirit for the Teams Championship,” Homann said.

The championship has drawn eight teams, including the hosts, ltaly, Sweden, Switzerland and South Africa, as well as three teams from the French club division, namely Nimes Campagne, Fourqueux and Medoc.

“All the teams will play an 18-hole stroke play qualifier on Friday,” Homann said.

“The top three scores from each country will count towards the team total and the teams will be seeded according to the team result. Once seeded, the teams will three rounds of matches to determine the final result.”

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

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