Smith gets World Amateur Team Champs nod

Reigning South African Stroke Play champion Jason Smith will line up for South Africa alongside fellow Pretoria amateur Zander Lombard and Gerlou Roux from the Western Province in the Eisenhower Trophy at the biennial World Amateur Team Championships in Japan from 9-14 September.

Smith was called to action after the unexpected withdrawal of the country’s current number one ranked player, Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

“Christiaan withdrew from the Eisenhower team on Monday for personal reasons, but Jason immediately stepped up to the plate,” said South African Golf Association president, Andre Pieterse.

“Although Christiaan’s withdrawal was a blow, we have full confidence in Jason’s abilities.

“Not only has he has enjoyed a solid season at home, but he represented South Africa on the international stage on two occasions this season where he gained valuable experience competing against strong international contenders.

“Jason definitely has the skills and confidence to challenge at this prestigious international team championship and we consider him to be a great asset to the team.”

Smith, Lombard and Roux were instrumental in South Africa’s successful title defence at the Africa Zone VI Golf Tournament in April. In June, the 20-year-old TuksSport Golf Academy member was also part of the six-man South African team that toured Scotland.

Smith represented the country in a two-day Test against a Scottish Golf Union team at Western Gailes Golf Club and competed in the St Andrews Links Trophy and the Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush.

Following his victory in the South African Stroke Play Championship, the country’s number four ranked amateur further impressed with a runner-up finish at the Eastern Province Border Stroke Play, top five finishes at the KwaZulu-Natal Amateur Stroke Play and Match Play Championships and a top 10 finish in the Western Province Amateur.

The team depart on Friday, 5 September and will be accompanied by SAGA vice-president, Gerhard Conradie, and TuksGolf Club and Academies head coach and technical director, Llewellyn van Leeuwen.

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

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