SA team to play France announced
Eight players have been selected to play for South Africa against France in a test match from 25th and 26th May 2010, it was announced by the South African Golf Association (SAGA) today.
The eight players are: Ryan Dreyer (Central Gauteng) (Team Captain), Johan Bekker (Ekurhuleni), JG Claassen (North West Province), Jared Harvey (Kwazulu Natal), Dean O’Riley (Ekurhuleni), Aaron Russell (Western Province), Tyrone Ryan (Central Gauteng) and Danie van Tonder (Central Gauteng). The team manager is Colin Burger (SAGA Vice President) and Neil Homann (Assistant Executive Director).
The team departs for France on the 17th May 2010.
“Prior to the test match, all members of the team will participate in the French International Amateur Match Play Championship, to be played from 20th to 24th May 2010 at Saint Germain Golf Club some twenty kilometres west of Paris,” said Enver Hassen, President of the SAGA.
The test match will be played at the Joyenval Golf Club which is north of Paris, a similar distance from the French capital city as is the venue for the French International Amateur.
“This is the same team that beat Scotland last month,” said Hassen, “with one exception. We had a nine man team for the Scottish international matches, one player is to fill the role of non travelling reserve, that is Riekus Nortje (Southern Cape).”
The French International Amateur starts with a 36 hole stroke play qualifying. The leading 64 players on conclusion, qualify to play the match play stage. The winner of the match play will be crowned the French International Amateur. All matches are over 18 holes except the final, which is over 36 holes.
“We have not yet agreed on the format the Test Match will be played,” said Hassen. “Last year, when we played France at home, in an eight man team contest, we played foursomes, followed by singles, betterball and concluded with singles. It is in all likelihood to be the same again this year.”
“We have never beaten the French on their home turf, we have a strong team this year, perhaps we can do it in 2010,” quipped Hassen.