SA pair off to solid start in Jakarta

Bloemfontein junior Steven le Roux grabbed a share of the three-way lead in the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship in Indonesia, while compatriot Franklin Manchest claimed a top-10 finish at Damai Inda Golf in North Jakarta on Tuesday.

The South African Golf Development Board pair are competing in the Boys A-Division for players aged 15-17.

Le Roux opened with two-over-par 74 at the Pantai Indah Kapuk course and shares pole position with Danial Durisic of Malaysia and local favourite Rifqi Alam Ramadhan.

KeNako Academy’s Manchest edged into ninth place with a five over 77.

“Steven had five birdies and played steady golf, but his driver let him down a few times,” said Womens Golf South Africa (WGSA) vice-president, Sally Greasley.

“Double bogeys at the fourth and ninth and three further drops on his back nine spoiled what could have been a great round. Franklin also notched four birdies, but offset his gains with seven bogeys and a double at the par-three third.

“The course played very long after heavy rain last week. The greens are extremely slick and the players had to negotiate a couple of really difficult pin positions today.”

Chiara Contomathios and Woo-Ju Son will make their debut in the international showpiece when the 54-hole Girls Competition gets underway on Wednesday.

Reigning Nomads SA Girl’s Rose Bowl champion Contomathios is playing alongside Inez Beatrice from Indonesia and Singapore’s Linette Chua Wen Ting, while 14-year-old Son will line up with Indonesian pair Zillya Rahadian and Viera Rosada.

“The girls had another solid practice session this morning,” Greasley said.

“The Fox TV crew followed them around the practice ground and putting green and interviewed Chiara about her love of golf, how she fits golf in with her school schedule and what she does in her spare time.

“This afternoon, they will be joining us at a local mall to watch the team shop, Jakarta style. On and off the course, the players are enjoying the experience of meeting new people, exploring a new country and culture and braving some of the local cuisine.”

The four South Africans are among 142 players from 20 countries competing in the ninth edition of the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE – http://www.jakartaworldjuniorgolf.com/

Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.

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