Team South Storm To Provincial Challenge Victory

2 August 2021 – Team South stormed to victory in the SADGA Provincial Challenge after completing a 17-6 win over Team North at Uitenhage Golf Club.

After the first day’s play which saw the teams tied on 2.5-2.5, Team South played exceptional golf on day 2. Of the eight points available via alternate-shot and better-ball, South managed to claim an astonishing 7 points which gave them a mammoth 9.5-3.5 lead.

With Team South needing just 3 points available from the Singles on Sunday, the North had a mountain to climb- one which proved insurmountable. Leg-amputee Kean Dry made a fast start in his match against Derrick Swart, racing to a 6-up advantage after 7 holes before ultimately prevailing 7&6.

First Swing Program Academy golfer Simo Mdudu also delivered a clinical final day performance for non-playing captain Pieter Verwey – demolishing blind golfer Leon Strydom 9&8.

Uitenhage Golf Club’s Christo De Jager capped a phenomenal weekend at his home track with a comprehensive 6&5 win over Dean Ferreira. This weekend, De Jager secured 3.5 points out of a possible 4. Interestingly, the Les Autres golfer has now won three Provincial Challenge titles with three different teams: Western Province, Rest of Country and now Team South.

With the result determined, there were also victories for Kosie J.V. Rensburg (6&4); Trevor Reich (4&2) and Lance Du Toit (3&2).

The North did, however, manage a couple of consolation wins with Hanjo Bester (3&2) and Rupert Fortmann (2&1) ending the weekend on a high. Team North’s Johan Du Plooy also played some great golf en route to a half with Brandon Shaw.

It must be said that although a number of individuals had great weekends for Team South, this victory was the product of unity and teamwork as much as it was putts holed and matches won.

Congratulations to Team South on a resounding but hard-earned victory.

Written by Craig Stirton for the South African Disabled Golf Association