SA team announced for 2016 All-Africa Junior
National pride will take precedence when four of the country’s top juniors line up in South Africa’s title defence at the 2016 All-Africa Junior Golf Championship in Tunisia at the end of March.
The South African Golf Association (SAGA) selected Herman Loubser from Boland, Central Gauteng pair Marco Steyn and Dylan Naidoo and new cap Dylan Mostert from Ekurhuleni to chase down the country’s 18th consecutive title in Africa’s most prestigious junior team championship at the El Kantaoui Golf Course in Sousse from 23 – 26 March.
Loubser, Steyn and Naidoo were members of the victorious four-man team that marched to a commanding 55 stroke victory at Lusaka Golf Club last year.
“We are pleased to welcome Herman, Marco and Dylan back for another tour of duty and very proud to see Dylan make a well-deserved national debut,” said SAGA Golf Integration Manager Eden Thompson, who will accompany the team to Tunisia.
“All four juniors performed exceptionally well in 2015 and I believe we have selected the strongest available quartet to take up our title defence.
“Marco enjoyed a solid start to the 2016 season with victory the inaugural Leopard Trophy and he moved to third in the Open Amateur rankings after his victory in the Free State Open in late January.
“Dylan Naidoo took a podium finish in Dr Bam National Order of Merit title, while Herman vaulted to fourth in the Open Amateur rankings with top 10 finishes in the Gauteng North and Southern Cape Opens and a tie for 12th in the South African Stroke Play Championship.
“Dylan Mostert was one of the most consistent performers on the junior circuit last season. He broke through for his first provincial victory in the Central Gauteng Open in November and finished the season with a runner-up and two joint third place finishes. He will be a great addition to the team.”
The quartet will not only challenge to protect South Africa’s undefeated record, but the winners and silver medallists of the All-Africa Junior Golf Championship also qualify for the Junior Golf World Cup in Japan later this year.
“It is a very big honour to be chosen to wear the green and gold and we all want to make a valuable contribution to the team,” Mostert said.
“We definitely have our eye on both prizes. There is a lot of pride at stake to keep South Africa’s winning record unbroken, but we also want to make sure we qualify for Japan.”
Thompson said the All-Africa Junior Golf Championship goes a long way in giving the best players in Africa a highly competitive platform to showcase their talent and gain experience.
“The All-Africa Junior Golf Championship is the biggest stage for junior golf in Africa,” Thompson said.
“In the last decade, the championship has grown into one of the most prestigious amateur events on the annual calendar. It is an honour for our players to compete in this esteemed event and we believe our 2016 team will do us proud once again.”
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.