Top 10s for SA quartet in Jakarta
The South African juniors all wrapped up a challenging week at Damai Inda Golf in North Jakarta with top 10 finishes in the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship in Indonesia on Friday.
Woo-Ju Son claimed a runner-up finish in the Girls B-Division (ages 13-14) and Chiara Contamathios from Wanderers tied for seventh in the Girls A-Division (ages 15-17), while South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) players Steven le Roux and Franklin Manchest finished eighth and 10th respectively in the Boys A-Division (ages 15-17).
Miyuu Goto from Japan won the Girls B-Division on three-under-par 213, while 14-year-old Son from Eagle Canyon carded rounds of 79, 80 and 78 to place second on 21 over 237.
Mayu Hirota from Japan defeated Indonesia’s Inez Beatrice in a play-off for the Girls A-Division title after both players tied on even-par 216. Contomathios from Wanderers finished on 237 with rounds of 79, 80 and 78.
Rupert Zaragoza III took the lead in the second round of the Boys A-Division and never surrendered his advantage. The Philippines player fired rounds of 75, 68, 68 and 69 to romp to a 15 stroke victory over local favourite Naraajie Emerald.
Bloemfontein’s Le Roux carded rounds of 74, 76, 77 and 79 to close with an 18 over 306. He finished six strokes ahead of Manchest from George, who registered rounds of 74, 76, 77 and 82.
“Our final day started at 05h00 with light drizzle, and proved another difficult one for all the players,” said Womens Golf South Africa vice-president, Sally Greasley.
“The sun arrived, but with it came a very strong wind. Chiara had a pretty solid round with four bogeys and a double, but just couldn’t convert for a birdie.
“Woo Ju offset four bogeys and a triple at the notoriously tough ninth hole with two birdies and gave us all a little something to cheer about when she finished second in her division.
“Steve started well, but his wayward driving cost him dearly, while Franklin was also going well until he ran into trouble at the ninth. The pin was set right on a slope, making a tough hole really impossibly difficult and he ended a back-and-forth putting expedition with a nine.
“The general feeling of all the players was that the Pantai Indah Kapuk course is a great layout and fun to play. They all felt the course set-up on the last day was extremely difficult, however, the event has been a wonderful experience for them.
“They represented South Africa in an exemplary fashion, made many friends and acquaintances from around the world and they all take home a new understanding of what it takes to play well out of your comfort zone in a foreign country.
“I was impressed that they were always willing to try the local food and enjoyed hearing the caddies teaching them local phrases. Their overall memories of this event will remain with them forever, especially so for Chiara and Steve, who travelled internationally for the first time.”
OFFICIAL WEBSITE – http://www.jakartaworldjuniorgolf.com/
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.